Golda Ruth (Nickerson) Jones

GOLDA RUTH NICKERSON JONES ** updated with graveside services for Golda** Golda Ruth Nickerson Jones passed away on January 7, 2024. Born June 6, 1927, to Grace and Floyd Nickerson. She was the fifth of seven children and was her sister Audrey’s first birthday present. Golda went to school at “The Best School by a Dam Site” the Gilboa School, where she helped in the kitchen during the morning to help pay for her lunch. Golda went to live with her sister Evelyn and brother-in-law Harold at 11 years old. She helped with the cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her niece Lorraine and nephew Edwin. Before graduation, Golda spent a summer working for Mr. Ladd, the Dean of Cornell College, and his wife, who was the Head of the Home Economics Department. The Ladds were amazed that Golda could make a cake for their anniversary without a recipe book. When Golda lived at home she made a plain white cake every day for dessert for her family. The following year Golda worked at West Point helping keep house and cook for a Lieutenant Coronel’s Family. In the summer of 1946 Golda and her sister Evelyn went to work at the Hunter Steam Laundry. Where she met the love of her life, Egbert Jones. They were married the next June. Golda wore her sister Helena’s wedding dress for the ceremony that was performed in the bay window of the Middleburgh Methodist Church Parsonage. According to Golda, Egbert thought it would take too long to walk down the aisle at the church. She carried a bouquet of roses from her Aunt’s garden. Her new sister-in-law Alfreda made the wedding cake for the new couple. Three years later Golda gave birth to Christine. Around this time Egbert bought the Garland Laundry in Saugerties. Shortly after that Golda became the proud owner of Purity Diaper Service. Purity Diaper Service had a radio commercial with a catchy jingle: “Keep your baby happy, Keep your baby dry, Keep your baby Happy, With the service we supply.” The employees, however, had a different version that went more like: “Rain, Sleet, or Snow Golda’s Shit Wagon is on the go!” Much like the postal service theme! Eight years later Golda gave birth to Ruth, followed by Bob two years later. Golda was never much of a driver but when Ruth became ill at the age of 2, Golda hopped right in Frances’s new pink Rambler and fearlessly headed to Benedictine Hospital in Kingston to be with her. Golda cooked, cleaned, gardened, took care of her family and washed diapers for more years than I’m sure she wanted to. Egbert eventually built a new bedroom and a back porch on the house in Mt. Marion so Golda could have her houseplants and fold diapers on the back porch. For their 25th Anniversary Golda and Egbert took a once in a life time trip to Hawaii. Shortly after they returned Golda and Frances took lessons to learn to knit. Egbert always teased that she knit one, purled two and dropped three. Golda did learn to crochet and this quickly became something she loved to do. There was a Golda hat placed onto the head of nearly everyone she met. Golda was also busy being a Sunday School Teacher and singing in the church choir. As the years passed Golda and Egbert welcomed grandchildren to their family. Scott was the first followed by Micheal, Pauline, Bobby, Nicholas, Christopher, Brandon and Brian. When Christine married William in 2017 two additional daughters and 5 grandchildren were added to the bunch. In the late 1970’s Egbert and Golda bought L & P Amusements which became Jones Amusement and Vending. Golda started counting change and sorting 45 records on a daily basis. A task she more than willingly passed onto Brandon and Brian the second they learned to count! In 1980 Golda and Egbert bought their forever home in Leeds. Where Ruth still resides. Golda scared everyone when she was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Thankfully she was a Survivor. Sadly Egbert passed in 1991. The couple had been married for 43 years. Since then Golda has welcomed several great grandchildren. Christopher, Madison, Samantha, Joey, Kaylee, Aidan, Piper, Tucker, Willow, Maize, Ellie, Adeline and Emma. As well as two great, great grandchildren Aiden and Makenna. Golda loved to travel and visit family. She adored spending time with the grandchildren. Imparting knowledge and giggling at their shenanigans! Golda spent the last few years crocheting, reading, walking the dog, enjoying the birds or chasing the squirrels away from the feeders and occasionally you might catch her raking the lawn. She was everyone’s Grandma at the Leeds Fire Department. She really enjoyed getting to ride in the firetruck for the Parade of Lights. In 2019 while in a rehab at the Pines, Golda met Mike Nicholas. The two have been constant friends since being discharged. They spent hours visiting parks, waterfronts, lighthouses and local places of interest. Golda adoringly referred to him as “her man” and Mike has become family. Relatives and friends are invited to visit the family on Friday January 12, 2024 from 3-6 pm at the Richard's Funeral Home, 29 Bross St., Cairo. Funeral Services for Golda will be celebrated at the funeral home at 5:45 pm with Perry Jones officiating. UPDATE : *******GRAVESIDE SERVICES FOR GOLDA RUTH NICKERSON JONES WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024, AT 10:00 A.M. AT THE FAMILY PLOT OF THE MAPLEWOOD CEMETERY, 9003 ROUTE 23A,EAST JEWETT, NEW YORK., 12422. THE DAY OF THE GRAVESIDE SERVICE FOR GOLDA, EVERYONE IS ASKED TO MEET AT THE CEMETERY. ******* Condolences and memories of Golda may be shared at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.

Golda Ruth (Nickerson) Jones

June 6, 1927 - January 7, 2024