Ruby Knight

Ruby Knight, 74, of Burlington, died Friday, September 11, 2026, at the OakView Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Burlington.

Born July 11, 1952, in Ottumwa, IA, she was the daughter of Charlie and Francis Ann Taylor Helmick. She married James William Nichols Jr. He preceded her in death on January 8, 2000.

She attended Ft. Madison High School. 

Ruby worked for over ten years at various nursing homes, caring for people. She then took a job with Heatilator, where she worked for 25 years.

Ruby loved games. Whether she was doing crossword puzzles, playing cards and board games, or winning one of her many trophies for bowling, she enjoyed the competition and friendly fellowship that went along with them. She enjoyed reading and watching T.V. and never missed her favorite shows. She was an avid collector of unicorns and loved every unique one. 

Survivors include her three sons, Kenneth Nichols of Lockridge, Curtis (Serbreena) Nichols of West Burlington, and Tony Warth of Burlington; two daughters, Cassandra (Timothy) Hobbs of Burlington, Melissa (Joseph) Hesseltine of Burlington, and bonus daughter, Eryn Pohren of Mt. Pleasant; many grandchildren; and five siblings, Jean (Tom) Myers of Fort Smith, AR, Rusty Kobbs of Burlington, Timothy (Becky) Helmick of Libertyville, IA, Raleigh (Nancy) Helmick of Burlington, and Robert (Stephanie) Helmick of Libertyville, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers, William and Charles Helmick; and two sisters, Rosie Helmick, and Stephanie Cheney.

Visitation with the family to receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Thursday, September 17. 2026 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.

The funeral service for Ruby will be 11:00 AM Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.  Burial will be in Jaggar Cemetery.

A memorial has been established.

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