With her loving family surrounding her, Mary Ann (Ray) Nicholas, 72, of Shock, West Virginia, passed peacefully at 6 a.m., on Monday, May 26, 2026, at United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV.
Mary Ann was born on September 22, 1953, in Sunbury, PA, to the late Robert and Pearl Ray. On February 28, 1970, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Roger Nicholas. The happy couple devoted their lives to one another and their children. Together, they built a wonderful life, filled with family and friends, and were blessed with 56 years of marriage.
Mary Ann was proud to be a homemaker to her five children: Tim and Renne Smith of Champion, Ohio; Roger and Rita Nicholas of Girard, Ohio; Jimmy Nicholas and fiancé Terri Cottrill; Jason and Theresa Nicholas of Newton Falls, Ohio; and Amie and Dennis Carder of Shock, WV.
Mary Ann and Roger have 32 grandchildren: Morgan (Zach), Garrett (Gabriella), Jeffrey, Logan, Dayna, Kiley, Hannah, Andrew, James, Ayden, JJ, Jalynn (Kody), Nick (Adrea), Autumn (Riley), Jake (Jaylyn), Hunter (Olivia), Daniel, Ethan, Shelby, Danika, Johnathan, Ricky (Montana), Corey (Tori), Robert (Desi), Chloe, Ruger, Katelynn, CJ, Sam, Jamie, Matt, and Mickenzee. They were also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren: Holden, Easton, Paxton, Ellington, Nora, Avery, Harper, Caleb, Elliot, Genevieve, Charlotte, Levi, Jesalynn, Elliana, and Damon. Even though Mary Ann had a large family, everyone knew who her favorite child was—her pot belly pig named Kornbread.
Mary Ann is also survived by her sister Penny Jewel, brother Bob Ray (Eveylyn), and sister Sharon Kelly (Ron), as well as her sister-in-law Joyce Anspach and her son Ben, and daughters, Lynde and Missy. There are a host of family and friends who deserve to be recognized for the important roles they’ve played in Mary Ann’s life, especially over the tumultuous last year. Stephanie Rogers became Mary Ann’s “ride or die” when she and her son, Bucky, moved in with her, helping to take care of both Mary Ann and Roger. Craig and Tina Miller have been playing cards and singing songs with the couple for more than four decades. Dusty and Jennifer Peters have been at every ATV ride, stacked sometimes ten ATVs deep with the family at Bearfork. Dustin and Penny Carder brought the biggest laughs to Mary Ann and Roger; they always had the best time together. Debbie and Kevin Hess brought the couple’s medications to them every week. So many have provided unwavering love and support.
Mary Ann’s hobbies revolved around her deep love for her family and friends. She thrived on time spent in their presence, from riding the buggy with Roger and Steph to beating her rival Danny at poker. She enjoyed tanning on the beach, collecting knick-knacks, and drinking a cold Bud Light with Dustin. She was an avid Steelers fan. She could often be found at trivia night in Grantsville or bingo at the Rosedale Community Center. Right up until the end, Mary Ann was certain to be doing the same thing every weeknight at 7 p.m.—watching Jeopardy, usually with her Jeopardy partner, Bucky, and any other family members who happened to be nearby. She loved bluegrass music and listening to Dennis and. Justin pick. She would be tickled to know that Justin Carter, the comedian of the group, will be singing at her service.
Mary Ann was granted her dying wish when her granddaughter, Autumn, (finally) married her sweetheart, Riley, in a private ceremony just two week ago. Gram was delighted to have Riley officially join the family.
The family will honor their matriarch’s wishes by celebrating her life in a private graveside service at Rosedale Community Cemetery. While services are private, the family welcomes your prayers, memories, and condolences. Rather than cut flowers, please consider sending live plants that may continue to grow in Mary Ann’s honor.
Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 1440 Arnoldsburg Road, Arnoldsburg, WV 25234, is honored to serve the Nicholas family. Fond memories and words of comfort can be shared with the Nicholas family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
