Joy Ruth Hicks, age 76, Pruitt Health Care, of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 in the Fannin Regional Hospital in Blue Ridge, GA. Mrs. Hicks was born on October 16, 1939 in Cherokee County, NC. She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed writing poems and short stories.

She is survived by her former husband, Rody Hicks; a son, William Richard Hicks of Ellijay, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy and Ronnie Chancey of Blue Ridge and Sherry and James Keith of Ellijay; brothers, Edward Park of Epworth, GA, Kenneth Pack of Gastonia, NC, Dennis Pack of Gaffney, SC, Ralph Pack of Ohio, and Clarence Pack of Andrews, NC; a sister, Polly Farmer of Hayesville, NC; four grandchildren, Kristy Chancey Ware, Deeann Chancey Burkett, Heather Hardin and Tara Clance; and seven great grandchildren, Carson Burkett, Logan Burkett, Joshua Burkett, Bralynn Ross,Tucker Ware, Zoe Hardin, and Bella Hardin.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, July 22, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Reuben Smith officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.