Obituary of Alice Lelia Hicks

HICKS: Alice Lelia Hicks (June 5, 1909 - June 30, 2010). Alice Lelia Hicks passed away on June 30, 2010 at the age of 101. Alice, the youngest daughter of Thomas and Martha Hillier, was born on June 5, 1909. The Hillier farm was 5 miles east of Ninga and 8 miles north-west of Killarney, Manitoba. Alice attended Oakridge School and Ninga High School. She married Aylmer Hicks on September 20, 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression. They farmed in the Wakapa and Desford communities enjoying a rich social life with friends in spite of the hard times. Alice and Aylmer's happy home was blessed with three children - Murray in 1935, Ross in 1940, and Myrna in 1944. Life revolved around family, community, church, and sports. Alice served as a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and held various positions on community and church committees. In 1947, Alice and Aylmer purchased a farm on No. 3 highway, south of Ninga. They farmed there until 1974 when they retired and moved to Brandon. After moving to Brandon, Alice and Aylmer enjoyed many bus trips to all parts of Canada and the United States. They both enjoyed curling, lawn bowling, and cards at the Senior Clubs in Brandon. Alice was a beautiful seamstress. She also enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, reading, and playing bridge. Alice spent the last 3 years of her life at Fairview Personal Care Home. The staff provided her with excellent care and compassion. She was predeceased by her husband Aylmer in 1995; four brothers, Fred, Arthur, Harry and Robert; three sisters, Annie, Ida, and Phoebe; and son-in-law, Ray Dring. Cherishing her memory are her children, Murray and Helen Hicks, Ross and Isabel Hicks, Myrna Dring and partner Syd Tilbury; her beloved grandchildren, Daryl and Tamara Hicks, Pam and Bob Taylor, Nicole Hicks, Sheri and Randall Stephanchew, and Nancy and Paul McLeod; great grandchildren Alex and Dominic Hicks, Kaelyn, Lane, and Brett Taylor, Tyler, Haley, and Gavin Garden, Riley and Reed Stephanchew, and Raina and Nova McLeod. A funeral service to celebrate Alice's life was held on July 5, 2010 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating, followed by a graveside service at the Brandon Cemetery. A time of fellowship and memory sharing took place at Central United Church Auditorium. Alice will be remembered as a gracious, patient, and strong woman who touched the lives of so many with her wise words and good humour. If friends so wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7 or to a charity of your choice.