Bertha DeEtta Ricks

Bertha Ricks, 100, went peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father on July 6, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Born June 22, 1917 in Dalton, Ga, she was the fifth of twelve children born to Cleveland and Mable Wright. She was preceded in death by her parents, 10 siblings and her husband of 55 years, John William (J.W.) Ricks. She will be forever loved and missed by her family, daughter Brenda Rhodes of Gainesville, FL, her sister Betty Landis of Sunrise, FL, grandchildren DeEtta Rhodes and Shannon Whiddon (Scott), her great-grandchildren Brian Whiddon, Courtney Whiddon and Andrew Whiddon, her great-great grandchildren Elizabeth Whiddon and Alexander Whiddon and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bertha was a witty person with a feisty personality who loved to laugh, do word searches and play Rummikub with anyone willing to accept her challenge. She was a member of Westside Baptist church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon and was known to be a prayer warrior. Her faith and love of the Lord was an inspiration to all who met her. She was a master seamstress, and continued sewing handmade baby books, blankets, sachets and many other items until the very end. Bertha always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart.