LEESBURG, Fla. — Ruth Marie Nora Hicks of Leesburg passed into eternity on April 24 at the age of 87, following a brief illness. Her departure was peaceful with loved ones by her side, including her best friend and loyal companion, a dog named Oscar. Ruth, as she was known to many, retired from Barnette Landscaping at the age of 77 with a reputation that she could work circles around the young guys. She was a member of the Cobblestone Lakeshore Social Club, loved sunrises on the lake and enjoyed sharing pictures she took there. She was born on January 16, 1939 in Lancaster, Pa. and moved to Florida in 1991. A widow, she had been married to Joseph Hicks for 38 + years. She loved children and opened her home up to young mothers who needed a babysitter. She is survived by four children of her own: Yvonne Crabtree of Pensacola, Fla., married to Michael Crabtree; Patricia Barnette of Leesburg, Fla., married to Jerry Barnette; Tamatha Krieg of King of Prussia, Pa., married to Dieter Krieg; and Charles Hicks of Mexico. Also surviving are her brother, Jesse Waughtel of Harrisburg, Pa., her sister Rebecca Waughtel of Lancaster, Pa., 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends Ruth was preceded in death by her father Guy Waughtel, Sr.., her mother Francis Voctoria Hazzard, her husband Joseph Hicks Sr., a daughter, Francis Waughtel, a son, William Zeiders; her brothers Edward and Guy Waughtel, a sister, Nancy Waughtel . A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Cobblestone Lakeshore Social Club, 1208 Lee Street, Leesburg, Fla.