Ella Ruth Hicks, 71, of Sweet Home passed away Saturday in Springfield, Missouri. She was born in Hattisburg, Mississippi to William Forrest and Mary Roberta (Hartfield) Lee. Ella lived in California, Missouri, Mississippi, and Oregon before moving to Sweet Home in 2009.

She married James Lee Hicks in San Jose, California on August 24, 1957. Ella was a Registered Nurse and a Diabetic Educator. She attended the Brownsville Assembly of God. Ella enjoyed sharing the gospel, singing, and crocheting.

Ella is survived by: her children, Daniel Hicks of Sweet Home, David Hicks and Jerry Hicks of Walnut Grove, Missouri, Mary Hicks of Boliver, Missouri, Allen Hicks of Gilroy, California, and Dorothy Lapham of Melbourne, Australia; brother, Farell Lee of Sacramento, California; 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, James Lee Hicks; and siblings, Geneva, Harvey Ray, Lena Merrill, Kenner Jean, Jeremiah, Samuel, James Monroe, and James Neil.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.