Reba Ann Russell Hicks

Reba Ann Russell Hicks, 73, of Blytheville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 27, 2011, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. She battled cancer for five years before going to her eternal rest.

Born in Manila, she was the daughter of John Francis Russell and Nellie Elizabeth Bowman Russell. She retired from Borg-Warner after 21 years, and after a few months at home, went to work as manager of Golden Keys Storage for 12 years. She was a member of Pathway Church of God in Blytheville.

Mrs. Hicks was a devoted Nascar fan, favoring Carl Edwards. She was an avid reader and collected every novel that Danielle Steele published. She loved to play games and was an excellent cook, specializing in chicken and dressing. She was a loving, giving, selfless spirit who loved her family greatly.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Arnold Hicks of Blytheville;

One daughter, Karen VanDyke and her husband Jerry, of Jonesboro;

One son, Michael Hicks and his wife Kim, of Bowie, Texas;

Two brothers: J.W. Russell of Chesapeake, Va., and J.F. "Billy" Russell and his wife, Ruth of Pocahontas;

Four grandchildren, Brandon VanDyke and his wife, Sandy of Blytheville, Corey VanDyke of Cooter, Kristy Hicks Thompson of Bowie, Texas, and Brandy Michelle Shurlock of New Albany, Ill.;

Four great-grandchildren, Skyler VanDyke, Shylan VanDyke, Kiley Caveness, and Miley Thompson;

A former daughter-in-law, Donna Haney of Bowie, Texas, and

Many other friends and relatives, including her husband's family who she dearly loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Christene Criswell, Mary Sue Russell and Patricia Vadene Cisco; and two brothers, Eugene Russell and John Junior Russell.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Carney Funeral Home Chapel.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Reba Hicks' name to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.