At the Shellpoint Hospice Center in Ft. Myers, Florida, surrounded by her family, Rex, Vicki, Lora, and Gary, Lorraine Ricks Hawkins, 82, chose April 13,2006, as her day of transition from this life to the next.

Lorraine was born in Benson, Utah, on March 3, 1924, to Allen and Idella Ricks. She was the oldest of five children. Lorraine was raised on a farm and learned the value of hard work at an early age. Lorraine graduated from North Cache. Growing up, Lorraine enjoyed riding horses, dancing, and sports. She worked at the Bluebird on campus and Levans.

She met Rex Hawkins in 1942. They were married on March 10, 1944, 10 days prior to Rex leaving for the Pacific. Lorraine lived in Utah, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Calif., Texas, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Lorraine and the children were evacuated at this time during the Cuban Missile Crisis. She visited every state, plus Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Haiti, and Jamaica. She was living in Cape Coral, Florida, at the time of her death.

Lorraine loved being a Navy wife, moving, meeting new people, and living in different places.

She enjoyed being active in the Navy Officers' Wives Clubs, Girl Scouts, bowling, golfing, playing bridge, deep-sea fishing, and volunteer work. She loved to sew and was still using her 1940's Singer machine.

Lorraine loved sports and was an avid fan of the Jazz. She had a 22-year rewarding career with Avon. Raising plants was one of Lorraine's passions. She donated thousands of plants to local charities. Another passion was her love of animals. She spent hundreds of hours as a volunteer at humane societies. She and Rex took in and provided love for scores of animals.

Lorraine loved her family and they brought her much happiness. Though distance separated her from her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved and missed them dearly.

Lorraine is survived by her husband, Rex; two daughters and one son, Vicki (Peter) Olson, North Logan, Lora Montgomery, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Gary (Cindy) Hawkins, Ft. Myers, Florida; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Norman Ricks of Preston and Reed Ricks of St. George.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Max and Ferrel.

A graveside service will be held on May 6, 2006, at 1 :00 on the northwest side of the Logan City Cemetery overlooking the Utah State Stadium. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at Allen Mortuaries.

We love you, Nan.