Jesse Ray Nicholas, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 27, 2019. He was born May 30, 1936, in Shock, West Virginia, to the late John and Elsie (Cottrill) Nicholas. He has been a resident of Freedom Township since 1959. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Rosemary (Puleo) Nicholas, who he married June 8, 1963; his sister Marieta (Dennis) Smith; his daughter from his first marriage, Shari Nolder; and brothers in law Paul (Bev) Puleo, Tom (Sue) Puleo, Jim (Pam) Puleo, Bill Puleo, Tony Puleo, Jim (Edie) McAnalley, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends in Ohio, New York, and West Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Opal (Frank) Roosa; Juanita (Don) Brugmann and brothers Dale, Chester, Francis and James. Ray enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling to Las Vegas, playing poker with family and friends and, more recently, watching reruns of his favorite TV shows. He also enjoyed time with his rescue dog, Li’l Joe. Memorial donations may be made to the Portage County Dog Warden’s office, or the charity of your choice. As he wished, cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held in the spring or early summer at Drakesburg Cemetery in Freedom Township. Condolences and memories of Ray may be shared with his family at www.sscfuneralhomes.com.
