Long-time Ennis resident, Barbara Ann "Conway" Ricks, passed from this life on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Legend Oaks Nursing and Rehab of Ennis.

Barbara was born May 4, 1939, in Rusk, Texas, to Lake Orton and Ruth Pauline "Salmon" Conway. Barbara was the second of four children. She graduated from Rusk High School and worked as a telephone operator. One of her favorite things to do with her earnings was to buy new clothes with matching earrings and shoes. She later worked as a nursing assistant at Rusk State Hospital where she met the love of her life, H. Edward Ricks, who also worked as a nursing assistant. They were married on February 14, 1961, and celebrated 59 ½ years of marriage prior to the passing of Pastor H. Edward on August 26, 2020. Barbara was, most importantly, a child of God and loved Jesus. She was also a devoted wife to H. Edward, the Pastor of Anthony Drive Baptist Church, a loving mother to her children, and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. While her contributions to ministry often went unnoticed, her family saw and appreciated the sacrifices she made.

Barbara and H. Edward were blessed with three children. Love for music and singing together are among the family's most treasured memories.

She is survived by daughter, Kasha Adams (Brad) of Rockwall, TX; son, Keith Ricks of Ennis, TX; daughter, Kemelia Patrick (Adam) of Crandall, TX; Grandchildren: Lenzie Ricks, Nikolaus Adams (Heather), Zakary Adams, Lacey Morris (Will), Andrew Patrick (Katelyn), Anna Freire (Kyle) and Timothy Ricks; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, 1 brother, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, H. Edward Ricks, parents, Lake Orton and Ruth Pauline Conway and daughter-in-law, Cindy Ricks.

The family would like to thank the staff at Legend Oaks, as well as everyone affiliated with Bristol Hospice, for the wonderful and heartfelt care they provided.

A formal visitation will not be held, but the family will be in the chapel one hour prior to the service to welcome those joining to celebrate Barbara's life. If you are unable to come by on the day of her service you are welcome to drop by and sign her book at the funeral home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rev. Don Ricks officiating. Pallbearers will be Nik Adams, Zak Adams, Andrew Patrick, Timothy Ricks, Josh Benjamin and Kyle Freire.

Barbara will be laid to rest beside her husband at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens, Texas. A graveside service will not be held.

Submitted by family