Ruth Marie Hickman Moore

Ruth Marie (Hickman) Moore, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2017 at her home in San Angelo, Texas surrounded by her family. From Ruth’s birth on January 22, 1931 in Tyler, Texas to her death in San Angelo, she graced everyone with her kind, loving and honest heart. Ruth nourished people with her un-selfish love, generosity towards others, and abundant faith in the Lord. She was truly one of God’s angels that walked among us. Ruth received her teaching degree from The University of Houston in 1957 and educated children for well over 35 years. Teaching was her calling from God. She taught grades Kindergarten, 1st through 6th grades and special education in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Washington and Michigan. There was never a child she met that she did not love and personally take in to her heart. Although she would come home at times exhausted and emotionally spent; the love she had for every student shined in her eyes. Ruth had a true gift for teaching and connected with so many young lives throughout the years. On April 17, 1964 she married Gerald “Jerry” Moore and from there they began an adventurous life filled with love that spread over 41 years and across 4 states. Although their family was “blended”, they showered their children equally with love, respect, and affection. Together they shared numerous hobbies but none touched their hearts and lives more than raising and showing Paint and Quarter Horses. Many weekends were spent with amazing friends and family that they met along the horse show circuit. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ruffie (Harris) Hickman and Jimmie Larkin Hickman of Houston, Texas; her brothers, Kenneth Hickman of Houston, Texas and John Hickman of Paris, Texas; son, Cloras “Chuck” Moore of Salman, Idaho; daughter, Kelley Kertson of Edmund, Oklahoma; and the love of her life and beloved husband of 41 years, Gerald “Jerry” Raymond Moore.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Wendi Michelle Polhemus and husband, John of San Angelo, Texas; son, James C. Moore of San Angelo, Texas; grandchildren, Casey Smith of San Angelo, Texas, Savannah Smith of Groom, Texas, Joseph and Taleesha Moore of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cheyenne Moore of San Angelo, Texas, and Melissa Stiner of Des Moines, Iowa; her best friend and sister-in-law, Betty Hickman of Hempstead, Texas; along with many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, longtime friends and her extended church family.

The family would like to give enormous thanks and admiration to Dr. Raj Cheruku and Dr. John Harvey for their compassion and care during mom’s illness. Hospice of San Angelo was also a blessing to mom during this time. Candy Molina, RN and Misti Orosco, CNA, were both a sweet and calming presence to mom in her last days. For this, we will forever be grateful. The patience and love of these two ladies gave a great deal of comfort throughout our grief. Gratitude also goes out to the staff at St. John’s Skilled Nursing Unit for the excellent care they gave to Mrs. Moore during her numerous stays and especially to the Skilled Unit Nurse Manager, Lisa Ward. The times you took out of your day to visit mom and just hold her hand meant the world to her. Another special person in Mrs. Moore’s care was Megan Halfmann. Megan spent numerous days at the house working to get Ruth back on her feet by way of physical therapy and prayers. Megan, you were a true blessing to mom and she considered you not only her physical therapist, but also her friend.

Ruth and Jerry had a special place in their hearts for the American Cancer Society and Shriner’s Hospital for Children. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either of these organizations. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens of San Angelo. Family and friends are encouraged to stop by the funeral home on Sunday, December 31, 2017 from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, to sign the register book in person or sign the online guestbook, send condolences and share memories online at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home of San Angelo.