Eleanor Ruth (Gum) Nicholson

Eleanor Ruth Gum Nicholson, 92, of Coldwater, joined her loved ones in heaven on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Clarksburg Healthcare and Rehab Center. She was born in the family log house on Roberts Fork, Doddridge County on September 27, 1931, the fourth child of Henry Brooks and Charlotte Cole Gum. On January 11, 1951 she married Dale Nicholson who proceeded in death.

Surviving are her children, Regina (Genie) and Bob Hardman, Michael and Janet Nicholson, Mitchell and Mindy Nicholson, and Jane Nicholson. She was a loving and kind grandmother to J.T. Nicholson, Brandon and Jondrea Nicholson, Sheena and Roadie Gray, Christopher Hardman, Anna and Jeremy Lake, and Kalyn and Luke Marple; eight great-grandchildren, Abi Nicholson, Brooks and Kelsi Nicholson, Rylee and Rayme Gray, Lakyn, Cory, and Cordell Marple, and Ivy Lake; great great grandson, Weston Michael Nicholson; her beloved sister, Mary Jane Statts and her children, Janet and Bob Buchman and Ed, Betty, and Rusty Staats whom she loved dearly; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Gum.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Pauline Maxwell Hall; brothers, Brooks Jay (Edwina), John, and Joseph (Sandee) Gum as well as two infant brothers.

Eleanor was a life long member of the Avon Church having been baptized along with sisters, Pauline and Mary on August 31, 1947. She faithfully served as church trustee, Sunday school teacher, and pianist. Ashe loved the Avon Church and upon its closing was instrumental in donating the church assets to the Doddridge County Park for its church building project. She loved music and singing gospel songs. She believed in helping and supporting other churches. For many years, Eleanor gifted Bibles for 8th grade and senior graduations.

She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary post 3408 serving as president and treasurer. She especially enjoyed organizing the Buddy Poppy Sale, the Over 80 Party and dinners. Eleanor received the 2019 Doddridge County Citizen of the Year and the 2008 Cecil B. highland community service award.

Eleanor was a 1949 graduate of Doddridge County High School. She was a cook at the West Union and Summers grade School. She worked at the Doddridge County Medical Center with Dr. Calhoun and Dr. Lauren and the sewing factory. She loved farming, taking care of animals, and harvesting and sharing a bountiful garden. She had a special gift for flowers and plants.

She enjoyed reading, quilting, and crocheting. Eleanor especially enjoyed family genealogy and keeping up with the Cole and Gum “Kinfolks”. She always prepared great meals and loved to entertain om the front porch. She made everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Doddridge County Park-Avon Building Project, PO Box 426, West Union, WV 26456 or to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 3408 % Janet Ferguson on Sunnyside Road, West Union, WV 26456.

The family wanted to extend our appreciation to the caregivers for their loving kindness and care: Joan Parker, Kim Fittro, and Roberta Lowther and the amazing staff at the Clarksburg Healthcare Center. 

Family will receive friends at Davis Funeral Home -West Union, 212 Front Street, West Union, WV, on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bob Marino officiating. Interment will follow at Lough (Loft) Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeWestUnionWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home – West Union is honored to serve the Nicholson family.

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