Barbara Jean Hale Farley Hicks

Barbara Jean Hale Farley Hicks 89, a cherished mother, grandmother, wife, and a beloved educator who shaped countless young lives, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025 in Worthington, Ohio. Formerly of Chesapeake, Ohio and Kenova, West Virginia, Barbara’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, warmth and compassion. Barbara was born in Wayne County, West Virginia to Lucian and Lina Hale. She graduated from Wayne High School and Marshall University, and was an educator in Wayne County Schools for many years, with most of her career spent as a principal at Ferndale and Kenova Elementary Schools. She loved children and valued each of them individually. Barbara had high standards as a principal and leader, but she always led with thoughtfulness and compassion. Her students respected and loved her, and even as adults they would stop to greet her in the community and recall pleasant memories with her. In her retirement, Barbara worked as an adjunct faculty at Marshall University teaching education classes to prepare the next generation of educators. Barbara had a quick and radiant smile and a special way of making others feel welcome. She was a long time faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kenova where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school classes, organized and prepared weekly Wednesday night dinners, and served in many other roles. She was always eager to help out however was needed. Barbara was a member of the Three Arts Club of Ashland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold N. Hicks, Jr., her parents, and her siblings: Tennie Booth, Opal Mills, Talmadge Hale, Garnet Hale, Edward Hale, Norma Hale, Charles Hale, Lucian Willard Hale, and her twin sister Bernice Ray Sanders. She is survived by her children Susan Shuff and her husband Van of Westerville, Ohio; Scott Farley and his wife Deidre of Kenova, West Virginia; and her grandchildren Anna Shuff, Olivia Shuff and Beau Farley. She also leaves behind her sister in-laws Carolyn (Susie) Hale, Gloria Hale and Amy Crookes along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial contributions can be made to National Church Residences Hospice or Ceredo-Kenova Elementary School c/o Food and Clothing Pantry  1 Wonder Lane, Kenova, WV 25530.  Visitation will take place at First Baptist Church of Kenova on Saturday, June 28 from 12 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2 p.m.  A committal service will take place immediately following the funeral at Rose Hill Burial Park in Ashland, KY.