Esther F. Hickel, 81, of Olney, died Sunday January 7, 2007 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.  Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Olney.

Mrs. Hickel was born September 17, 1925 in Richland County, the daughter of Homer and Ethel (Rash) Ridgely. She married Garald G. Hickel in 1947. He preceded her in death in August 1971.

She worked as a secretary for Burgin Manor. She also worked at Red Rooster and after her retirement, at McDonald's.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney.

Mrs. Hickel is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Fullenkamp of Gahanna, Ohio; sons, Scott C. Hickel of Olney, Mike D. Hickel of Bloomington and Jerry Hickel of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and seven grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Helen Reed.