Ruby Hickox

RUBY ELLEN PHILLIPS HICKOX
Dec. 1, 1929-Dec. 29, 2017

Proverbs 31:10-31New King James Version
The Virtuous Wife

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.

Ruby Ellen Hickox peacefully returned to her heavenly home on December 29, 2017 surrounded by her family. Ruby was a devoted wife to her husband Skeet Hickox for 66 years. Her name Ruby fit her perfectly because she was a precious jewel.

12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
Ruby lovingly cared for her husband through their many years together, tirelessly traveling from Texas to Alabama to West Virginia and ultimately back to Alabama. She faithfully supported Skeet by often moving the entire family and household on her own, following him as he developed his career.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
Ruby was an accomplished seamstress, homemaker, and business woman. She crafted beautiful clothing for her children and their friends. From wedding gowns to drapery to quilts, she was an artist. In her later years, she pieced and quilted a special quilt for each of her four children, praying for each child with every stitch. She practiced gracious hospitality by maintaining a beautiful, inviting home. Her table always had a place for strangers and friends; her home was open to all, and all were treated equally in grace and love.

15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

This precious woman worked tirelessly day and night to nourish her family. Her children woke every day to the smells of a homemade breakfast, especially loved were the made-from-scratch biscuits. She was an accomplished cook and enjoyed providing delicious nutritious meals, which nourished the body and the soul through laughter and conversation. Each meal was an opportunity for Ruby and Skeet to teach the sacrament of love and family through the example of Jesus.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Ruby had a quiet strength, guided by her faith and love of God. Her parents Jerry and Florence Phillips were her examples of hard work, integrity, and excellence. Her sister Bertha Phillips was her lifelong friend, sharing a wry wit and easy laugh. Ruby joyously joins them in heaven.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all."

Ruby's greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She took tremendous joy in all their gifts, uniqueness, and accomplishments. She developed a deep connection with each one of them. She is survived by children, Charles N. Hickox and wife, Wanda, of Mobile, Alabama; Phillis Rea Steele and husband, J. Randall Steele, of Montgomery, Texas; Irene Marie Holbrook and husband, Steve, of Mobile, Alabama; Patrick Paul Hickox and wife, Heather, of Fairhope, Alabama. She is also survived by grandchildren: Elaine Hageman and husband Mark, Chas Hickox, Chris Hickox, Daniel Hickox and wife Andrea, John Steele and wife Jennifer, Christi Emmons and husband Chris, Steven Holbrook and fiancé Sienna Kossman, Katie Holbrook, Hollie Holbrook, Hunter Hickox, and Savannah Hickox. Her great-grandchildren include Jake, Tyler, Cody, Cloe, Cathy, and Molly Hageman; Zane Hickox and Ally Miller; Ava Hickox; Loralei, Bella, and Ellie Steele; Aubrey and Adalyn Emmons.


30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

The family will be honoring this Godly woman's life at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 3rd 2018 from 5:00-7:00 PM with the service on Thursday, January 4th at 12:00 noon. The burial will follow this service.
The family gratefully accepts prayers, condolences, and memories at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com. In addition, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Zirlott Road United Methodist Church 14915 Zirlott Road, Coden, AL 36523.

Visitation

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
6040 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
5 - 7:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
6040 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619
Thursday, January 4, 2018
12:00 Noon

Cemetery

Mobile Memorial Gardens
6100 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619

Memorial Contributions

Zirlott Road United Methodist Church
14915 Zirlott Road
Coden, AL  36523