Nancy Ruth Nichols

“My art is my gift to all who knew me. Viva brevis-Life is short - Ars longs-Art is long. Other than the touch of a raindrop or the sparkle of the sun on a leaf, I leave my love and my paintings to give you pleasure.”

Nancy Ruth Nichols of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 11^th, 2022 at Hope Hospice at the age of 88.

Loving wife of Donald Nichols until his death, former wife of Robert Cox, and best friend and companion of Robert Blakeley for the past eight years.

Devoted mother and grandmother to her daughters, Ruth Cox McFarland of Fort Myers, Florida, and Julie (George) Michael and son, Robert Cox of Naperville, Illinois; her grandchildren, Andrew Cox, William and Lauren Michael; great grandchild, Connor Cox; as well as the Nichols family.

She was born on the Northwest side of Chicago to Gordon and Ruth Mueller, and spent her childhood there and graduated from Steinmetz High School. Nancy then went to Carthage College where she met her first husband, Robert Cox. They married and moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, where she obtained her degree in Education and Bob completed Law School. Nancy and Bob moved to Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where Bob set up his law practice.

Nancy was a special education teacher and consultant in Glen Ellyn School District #41 for more than 30 years, until she retired and moved to Cape Coral, Florida, with her husband, Don. She resumed her love of painting and became very active in the Cape Coral Art League, where she was past President and earned many awards for her artwork.

Nancy took up golf and enjoyed her friends at the Palmetto Pine Country Club. She also found her love of world travel.

“My heart has always been in two places, both in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and in Cape Coral, Florida, and I have been blessed with a loving family and friends.”

A private memorial service will be held in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

Per Nancy’s request, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904 or to Cape Coral Art League, 516 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with her final care.