Ruth M. Hitchens, 89, of Laurel, Del., passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. She and her late husband worked side by side on their farm for more than 60 years. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the memories of her delicious iced tea, homemade ice cream and her secrets of canning and preserving skills.
Hitchens was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick B. and Hattie Ann (Cannon) Joseph; her husband of 68 years, Alvin J. Hitchens; her brothers, Harley, Martin and Norman Joseph; and a sister, Senara Phillips. She is survived by her sons, Roland Hitchens and his wife Joan of Georgetown, Marvin Hitchens and his wife Jean Ellen of Laurel; her daughters, Phyllis Layton and her husband Byard of Seaford, Doris Dukes and her companion Bill Mewshaw of Frankford, and Linda Wintjen and her husband Gary of Laurel; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. The family said they would like to pay a special thank-you to her caregivers, Barbara Carter and Gloria West, for the excellent care they gave to their mother.
A funeral service was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, with interment in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, Southern Division, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947; or the Trinity United Methodist Church, 17249 Phillips Hill Road, Laurel, DE 19956.