Lois Lynn Hicks

LOIS LYNN HICKS

Lois Lynn Hicks, of Chico, passed away at age 74 on March 2, 2009 at Enloe Hospital, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with chronic lung disease. Born on July 17, 1934 to Hershel B. and Bernyce McGee, she was raised in Batesville, Arkansas.

In 1945, she moved with her family to Napa, California, where she attended and graduated from Napa High School in 1952. Lois married Dick Hicks in 1953 and, after having two children and living in Fairfield for 9 years, moved with her young family to Chico in 1962.

At age 48, Lois began her collegiate studies, first attending Butte College and eventually graduating summa cum laude from Chico State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1986. She was a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and was highly regarded by not only her classmates, but her professors as well.

Lois worked at Butte College, first in the WorkAbility III Program and later in the Counseling Department until her retirement in 2001. She was also a freelance editor and twice served on the editorial staff of Chico State University's literary magazine, Watershed.

Lois loved to read and discuss literature with her friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling, antiquing, and interior design.

Lois is survived by her son, Rick Hicks and his wife Kathy of Sonoma; and daughter, Cyndi Lycan and husband Scott of Tracy. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Brayton of Auburn, Ben Hicks of San Luis Obispo, Charlie Hicks of Sonoma, Rachel Lycan of Tracy; and one great-grandchild, Kiley Brayton, of Auburn.

A memorial celebrating Lois' life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Newton Bracewell Chico Funeral Home at 680 Camellia Way in Chico.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Salvation Army or to a charity of your choice in care of the funeral home. You may share your thoughts and memories of Lois online at nbcfh.com.