Marie Ruth Ankney

Marie Ruth (Nichols) Ankney, age 88, peacefully passed away on April 12, 2022

surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Charles L. Ankney; Preceded in death by

her parents William E. and Ruth Irene (Cross) Nichols. Loving mother of Ruthanne E.

Ankney, Michelle G. (Joseph) Mullin and Susan M. (Daniel) Katzin. Cherished

grandmother of Emily and Johnathan Mullin, Sara McMahon and Jack Hanft. Sister of

William E. Nichols.

Marie's world was her family and dedication to her teaching career. Throughout her vast

teaching career she taught English, Literature, Spanish and History. Marie was an avid

reader and a huge proponent of developing a passion for reading in children early on in

their lives. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, cultivating their interests in

great literature, and encouraging them to pursue their educational goals. Marie also

instilled a great passion for traveling to her family. The many happy tales of Marie and her

dear Charles’s extensive traveling adventures is a great source of joy, admiration and

comfort for her family.

Marie played the piano and enjoyed many styles of music. She and her husband traveled

near and far to music festivals, concerts and theater. Marie along with Charles loved

following their daughter Ruthanne’s performances and studies immersed in music and folk

programs at The Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage, CDSS Music & Dance camps

and John C. Campbell Folk School. There they joined in song circles, workshops, music

jams and performances of some of the most widely noted performers of Old Time Music

styles and Folk Music traditions. Family and friends marveled at Marie's broad knowledge

and great passion for history, world events, politics, cultural arts and March Madness.

Marie's family and friends also loved the beautiful letters that she was known for

masterfully crafting. Marie used to sing “My Favorite Things” to her children when they

were young. An everlasting memory for her family will be the many favorite simple things

Marie loved so much in life. She loved covered bridges, lighthouses, book stores, museums,

sunsets at her favorite beaches, Lady Bird Johnson's Beautification Campaign, blowing

prairie grasses, lobster rolls, English tea and scones, quilts, old churches, family history, old

cemeteries, discovering small towns and backroads, cows grazing in green fields and the

Autumn colors of the Aspen trees of Colorado. Marie dearly loved her family. Together,

she and her loving husband Charles enjoyed a full and beautiful life and were exceedingly

devoted to one another. A beautiful memorial celebration filled with music, love and sweet

memories will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marie’s name

to the Ligonier Valley Library.