Et hel M. Nicholas, 103, a former longtime Ironwood resident, died Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, in Wakefield.      The former Ethel Alexander was born Feb. 9, 1906, in Rhinelander, Wis., daughter of the late Frank and Marie (Bartman) Alexander, attended Rhinelander schools, then moved to Iron River, Mich. and attended high school there.      She attended business school in Wausau, Wis. and worked in Oshkosh, Wis. before moving to Ironwood in 1926.      On Feb. 27, 1927, she married Sam Nicholas at the Church of the Transfiguration-Episcopal in Ironwood. He preceded her in death on March 30, 1965.      Ethel was a member of St. Simon Orthodox Church in Ironwood. She enjoyed art work, and bridge and cribbage playing, having belonged to two  local bridge clubs and the Range Cribbage League.      Surviving are her daughter, LaViolet "Nikki" Marx, Ironwood; three grandchildren, William N. (Christine) Tippett, and Rick (Sue) Tippett, both of Ironwood, and Sharon (Ron) Poquette, Beaver Dam, Wis.; four great-grandchildren, Scott (Lynn) Richardson, Ironwood, Chad (Megan) Richardson, Fond du Lac, Wis., Debbie (Mike) Higgins, Spencer, Wis., and Keith Tippett, Ironwood Township; ten great-great-grandchildren, Darian and Trevor Richardson, Nicholas, Aaden and Adalyn Richardson, Hannah and Jenny Zanon, and Leah, Judd and Chase Higgins; and two sisters, Bernice Webster and Myrtle Benedict, both of Rhinelander.      Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Richard Marx; three brothers, Franklin Alexander in infancy, and Clarence and Douglas Alexander; and three sisters, Rose Franseen, Anita Speich and Pearl Wilson.      Out of respect for Ethel's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Graveside services and committal will be held Friday, May 14, at 11 a.m., in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, with the Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating.      Inurnment will follow.      Ethel's obituary may be viewed online, and condolences given to her family, at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are with Mckevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood