Dorothy “Denise” Hicks, 59, peacefully passed away at her home on the morning of November 20th 2023.
Denise was born in Galion Ohio on June 23, 1964 to Emilie and Robert McCray and was a 1982 graduate of Galion high school. She was an athlete and played volleyball and softball in high school. She also loved playing baseball and football with the neighborhood boys, since there were few girls in her neighborhood, and she played better than many of the boys. She married John Hicks on June 13, 1984 and worked for United Church Directories/Life Touch for 36 years. She is survived by her loving and caring husband, John Hicks, her brother, Dennie McCray (Joni), numerous sister and brother in-laws, and many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emilie and Robert McCray.
All who knew Denise loved her; known for her kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, caring heart, and her quickness to help all those around her. She was selfless, humble, and compassionate and had an innate ability to know what to say and what to do to help others. She and John were always the first toshow up to help family and friends and lend a helping hand. She was an incredible cook and her desserts were famous with family and friends. She was completely devoted to her family and showered her love on them. She was quick to celebrate others but rarely wanted to be in the limelight. Behind the scenes she could be delightfully mischievous and had a great sense of humor. Her face lit up and her beautiful hazel eyes gleamed when she laughed and smiled – and she readily did both often. She loved to travel and explore new foods and eateries and to attend concerts and everyone knew she was a huge Bob Seger fan! Many times, she was known to “take a drive” to Chicago just to enjoy Chicago pizza! She enjoyed watching fighter jets from Virginia Beach, she loved animals, enjoyed going out for breakfast, and she had an affinity for sunflowers.
She had a strong spirit and was staunchly independent and tenacious despite numerous health challenges. Very few things kept her down for long. Amidst her own struggles Denise was concerned about others and was incredibly appreciative and grateful for the smallest gestures of kindness. She preferred giving to receiving! Denise (aka Dee Dee) life was shorten by cancer but she filled the years she had with much love and care for all those around her and her life remains an inspiration to all who knew her.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 24, 2023 at Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes, 218 South Market St., Galion, Ohio 44833 where services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday with Dr. Bill McDonald, D.Min officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Galion.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or The American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home.
Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Dorothy Hicks, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.