Ellen Ruby Hickman's Obituary
Ellen "Grammy" Ruby (Holder) Hickman was born June 7, 1919 in rural Wayne County to Sylvia Isabelle (Robinson) and James Harvey Holder. She joined brothers Harvey and Harold to complete the family. She left for heaven on December 19, 2016 from the Wayne County Hospital. She attended country school near her home then went to high school in Corydon graduating with the class of 1939. She enjoyed the many reunions her classmates celebrated and was probably the last one to pass away. She took Normal Training and would become the teacher in the same school she had attended as a child. After teaching four years, she moved to Corydon to become a telephone operator. The switchboard she used is now on display at the Prairie Trails Museum. She married Gerald Keith Hickman on December 5, 1943. They made their home on the family farm in Clay Township, where they remained until health problems forced them to move from the farm. To this union they were blessed with five daughters; Barbara, Patricia, Eleanor, Virginia, and Marilyn. Ellen's life revolved around raising those daughters and her homemaker duties. When she felt the girls were independent enough, she took a job with Machine Products Manufacturing where she took care of the shipping and receiving department. She worked for a while at Nick's Caf at the junction feeding and serving hungry customers. Finally, she spent 20 years as a seamstress for O'Bryan Brothers at Leon where she prided herself with very few repairs to be made. She was a life-long member of the New Zion United Methodist Church. She helped organize and teach Sunday School and Bible School. She was a part of the women's groups and served as church treasurer for many years. She was a member of the O.D.O. Club with many of her neighbors. Even though she worked as a seamstress, she enjoyed sewing for her family. One of her special hobbies was crocheting everything from bookmarks to bedspreads. One of her greater joys was making each great grandchild their own special afghan. She also loved to put jig-saw puzzles together, read, do word searches while sitting in the rocking chair, and watching the outdoor happenings. She was on sentry duty for the farm while in that chair. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Sylvia Holder; her husband, Gerald; and daughters Barbara and Eleanor "Ellie". She is survived by her daughters; Patricia (Leroy) Perkins; Virginia (Bob) Fuller; and Marilyn (Bear) Jarman. They blessed her with one grandson and three granddaughters that she held very close to her; Brad (Gina) Perkins, Jennifer (Eric) Olsen, Heather (Mark) Moorman and Kati (Eddie) Allison. Then along came the great-grandchildren; Cole, Cade, Chase, Corrie and Caitlin Perkins; Tait and Mackenzie Olsen; Samantha, Sarah, and Suzie Moorman; Ethan and Isaac Allison. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a big host of wonderful friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Ellen's final words of advice to everyone would be "Everything will be just fine, it will all work out". Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Corydon United Methodist Church with interment immediately following at Corydon Cemetery. Fellowship and visitation with the family will be at Corydon United Methodist Church following the committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to New Zion United Methodist Church, Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County, Hospice Room at Wayne County Hospital or to Wayne County Home Care Aide Agency. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ellen Ruby Hickman please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Corydon Cemetery S. West St. & Co Park Road
Corydon, IA 50060 Funeral Service DEC 28. 1:00 PM (CST) United Methodist Church 213 W Jackson StCorydon, IA 50060
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