HANOVER – Ruth Elizabeth Bettinger Carmody Nickels, 60, Hanover, formerly of Warsaw, died at 7:50 a.m. Feb. 16, 2016, at her home in Hanover with her loving husband at her side. She was born Nov. 21, 1955, in Warsaw, to Marjorie J. Gulland Shipley, who died June 11, 2005. She was a devoted wife to the love of her life, David, whom she married on July 7, 2001, at the Hanover United Methodist Church, by the Rev. Vickie Perkins. He survives in Hanover. A 1974 graduate of Warsaw Community High School, she received her bachelor’s degree from DePauw University, Greencastle, and her master’s from Ithaca College. An award-winning teacher and marching band instructor, she led her students to three championships in the Mid-United States Marching competitions. Her long teaching career in Indiana spanned Grace College, Winona Lake; Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne; the Fairfield Falcons, Goshen; Orleans Community Schools and Yorktown Community Schools. After moving to Hanover in 1997, she continued to share her teaching expertise and meticulous, innovative ways to lead the band program for Southwestern Jefferson County Schools to new heights. A very detailed, energetic individual, she thoroughly enjoyed mentoring youth and helping them build pride, self-esteem and respect for teamwork through music. Because she motivated every student to be the best they could be, both musically and personally, her legacy will long live in the hearts of her students. In addition to her musical forte, she also was a talented artist, photographer, decorator, elegant cook and loyal friend who left this world better than she found it. Her influence and membership will be missed in the Madison Community Band as well as in many state and national musical organizations. She also was greatly committed to the Jefferson County Democrat Party, both as a member and vice chairman. She particularly enjoyed the love of her four legged family, especially Figaro, Livvy and Zoe. Also surviving are her two brothers-in-law, Dr. Richard (and spouse Joan) Nickels, Gainesville, Ga., and Darrol (and spouse Donna) Nickels, Underwood; numerous beloved students and friends. She also was preceded in death by her stepfather, Herbert D. Shipley, who died Nov. 30, 1999, and her grandparents, Paul P. and Angeline M. Fete Gulland. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Hanover United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Robert Cannon officiating. Burial will be in Hanover Cemetery. Calling is from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison, and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. ***** The family requests memorials in memory of Ruth to the St. Judes or the Fairfield Falcons School Band. Contribution cards are available at the funeral home and the church. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at Morgan & Nay Funeral Center, Madison.
