Barbara J. Hicks

ROMULUS-Barbara J. Hicks, age 88, lifetime resident of the area, died on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Geneva General Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Barb was born in Lackawanna, N.Y. on August 18, 1937, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mabel (nee Covert) Haust. She was a 1956 graduate of Romulus High School and began her working career at Shuron Optical in Geneva. She then worked at Willard Psychiatric Center, advancing from the laundry to the administration building, working as a switchboard clerk. Following her retirement, in true Barb fashion to always remain active, she worked part-time in the mail room at ITT/Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls. Barb was very athletic and had played softball, bowled and golfed all throughout her life, she knew the rules and etiquette of the games and held herself to a very competitive standard. She was loyal to her family and friends, and without saying, held those relationships to a high standard as well. She was strong in her convictions and that endeared her many friends and helped to guide her family to become who they are today as good citizens and parents.

She is survived by three daughters, Dionne (Steve) Carey, Kelly Zona, and Grace (Dan Rapini) Jensen; four grandchildren, Dionne (Travis) Bortz, Kyle (Lora) Carey, Gregory (Sarah) Carey, and Laurena (Tim Blowers) Jensen; three great grandchildren, Landyn Carey, Wyatt Freelove, and Emerson Bortz; her siblings, Jerry (Dorothy) Haust and Phyllis (John) Haddox; and sister-in-law, Alice "Corky" Howard; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, James A. "Jimmy" Hicks in 2024; by her son in law, Rick Zona this month; and by her sister, Sheila Frith.

In accordance with Barb's wishes, services will be held privately for the family in Oak Hill Cemetery in McDuffietown, the family cemetery of Jimmy's family. Kindly consider a donation in Barb's memory to the cemetery at PO Box 134, Romulus, N.Y. 14541 or to UR Home Care/Hospice, 300 East River Road PO Box 278996, Rochester, N.Y. 14627. For additional information, please visit www.covertfuneralhome.com.