Ronald O. Nichols, 76, of Malta, passed away on Friday, Sept. 25 at his home. He was born on Jan. 19, 1939 in Waddington, NY to the late Israel and Gertrude Jandrew Nichols. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Vietnam. He served on Malta Village Council for over 20 years. He also served as deputy Sheriff of Morgan County and retired after 16 years as a park ranger at Burr Oak State Park. He is survived by his wife Linda Whaley Nichols of the home, 2 sons, Ronald Jr. of McConnelsville and Rob Nichols of Malta, 2 granddaughters, Kara and Kelley Nichols, 2 brothers, Israel (Skip) Nichols of Massena, NY, and Donald Nichols of Rome, Georgia. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Jane Finnie and Sally Premo. Ron was a loving husband and father who will be greatly missed. Services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville with Pastor Galen Finley officiating. Burial will follow in the Malta Cemetery with full Military honors. Friends may call on the family on Monday, Sept. 28, from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.