Barbara Lyn Hickman

In Loving Memory of Barbara Lyn Hickman

November 6, 1960 - July 9, 2025

Forever 22

Barbara Lyn Hickman, who proudly declared herself 22 every year no matter what the calendar said, passed away on July 9, 2025. She was surrounded by her loving daughter Jenny, her beloved son-in-law Paul (who she loved like her own), and her grandchildren, who knew and adored her as Nana. She always said she was too cute to be a grandma, and Nana suited her just fine.

Barbara was born on November 6, 1960, in Grand Junction, Colorado. From a young age, she stood out with her sharp wit, fierce sense of justice, and an unstoppable drive to stand up for others. Those traits would go on to shape a life of purpose, love, and impact.

She dedicated her life to public service, spending her career advocating for students with disabilities and supporting the educators who served them. She retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education at the Sutter County Office of Education, a role she poured her heart into and considered one of her proudest achievements. Barbara was a mentor, a protector, and a relentless champion for inclusion, always pushing for what was right, even when it was hard.

Her greatest pride and joy, though, was her family. She was the proudest mom of Jenny, who followed her path and shared her passion as a Special Education Administrator and the deeply devoted Nana to Joseph, age 19, Daniel, age 18, Rose, age 15, Jackson, age 15, and Jacob, age 5. She celebrated their every milestone, cheered the loudest at their successes, and made sure each of them felt uniquely seen and loved. Her relationship with her son-in-law Paul was one of mutual admiration and deep respect. She loved him dearly and considered him her own.

Barbara was preceded in death by her sister Jenny Claire Campbell and her parents. She is survived by her daughter Jenny, son-in-law Paul, and five treasured grandchildren, who will carry her love with them always.

She is also survived by three dear friends who each held a special place in her heart. Kathy Arnold was her partner in adventure and travel. The two of them explored the world together, taking cruises, making memories, and filling their passports with laughter. Tami Henneberry was her steady and unwavering support throughout her cancer journey. Tami showed up for every appointment, every diagnosis, and every moment, good and bad. Barbara considered both Kathy and Tami her chosen family, and they remained by her side until the very end. Her longtime friend Lynn Howard, with whom she shared a 33-year friendship, is also remembered with deep gratitude for the connection, memories, and support they shared over many seasons of life.

Barbara loved the ocean, loved to travel, and loved her people with her whole heart. She had a soft spot for classic rock, Cadillac margaritas, and real conversations, especially with her grandkids. She was bold, hilarious, passionate, and unapologetically herself. If something needed saying, Barbara said it. If someone needed standing up for, Barbara stood up. And if you were lucky enough to be loved by her, you knew it.

In honor of her wishes, a celebration of life will be held this autumn, her favorite season. She wanted it to be anything but sad. She asked for music, laughter, and margaritas. She specifically requested that it not be the kind of event where anyone wears black unless it's leather, and that there be absolutely no sad speeches. Classic rock, crisp fall air, and shared memories are exactly how she wanted to be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, Barbara asked that people support what she cared about most. Please consider purchasing something for a teacher or classroom. Education is underfunded and underappreciated, and she believed that the best way to honor her legacy was to make life better for students and the educators who serve them.

Barbara will be remembered for her fierce love, her firecracker spirit, her one-of-a-kind honesty, and the incredible impact she made in the lives of so many. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left this world better than she found it.

And of course, she will always be 22.