Ima Jo Hicks

Ima Jo (Dare) Hicks, 88, died peacefully on the evening of January 14, 2017, surrounded by friends and family. She was born on September 20, 1928 in Duncan, Oklahoma to Rosalee (Cook) Dare and Grady Wesley Dare. She graduated from Duncan High School in 1948. Upon graduation, Jo worked in Duncan. Jo met Robert W. (Bob) Hicks of Stamford, Texas on a blind date in Duncan. At the time, Bob was working for Skelly Oil Company in Velma, Oklahoma. Jo, recognizing this gentleman's kind and caring nature, and Bob, recognizing this young lady's exceptional qualities and talents, were together from then on. They were married on December 10, 1949 in Stamford, Texas and were together for the past 66 years until Bob's death on May 14, 2016. During their married life, Jo and Bob lived in Longview, Texas; Duncan, Oklahoma; El Dorado, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Hobbs, New Mexico; Mayhill, New Mexico; and Midland, Texas, where they have lived since 2008. Jo volunteered in many different organizations during her life. She was a third grade Sunday school teacher for many years in Hobbs, New Mexico. Jo also served as a substitute teacher while living in Hobbs, as well as a tutor for the ESL students. She volunteered at Good Samaritan, the nursing facility in Hobbs, brightening the residents' days. After leaving Hobbs, she and Bob were also active in the churches they attended in Mayhill, New Mexico and in Midland, Texas. After Bob's retirement from Skelly/Getty/Texaco/ Chevron in 1991, Jo and Bob traveled the country and Canada in their RV with various friends and family. After checking that off of their list, they built their log cabin dream home in the Sacramento Mountains near Mayhill, New Mexico. They enjoyed visits from family and their Irongate mountain community until moving to Midland, Texas in 2008. Jo always graciously and kindly welcomed guests into their home. Wherever they lived, friends and family were always embraced, as well as being the fortunate recipients of her delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Jo's children and grandchildren were truly her pride and joy and she considered them to be her greatest accomplishment along with her marriage to Bob. Jo was an excellent example of a Proverbs 31 woman, especially when it came to her family. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29 Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; brothers, Woodrow Dare and Afton Dare; her sisters, Ruby Dare Harris and Geneva Dare Marks; and daughter-in-law, Cherie Buswell Hicks. She is survived by her children, Richard (Dick) Hicks and wife Carol of Denver, Colorado, and Nancy Hicks Spear and husband Nelson Spear of Midland. She is also survived by grandchildren, KC Hicks and wife Nicole of Columbia, Missouri, Cody Hicks of Denver, Colorado, Miranda Hicks of Avon, Colorado, and Daniel Spear of Nashville, Tennessee; a brother, Kenneth Dare of Oklahoma; as well as by their "adopted family," Shane, Lurene, Walker, and Quinn Spear of Midland. The family would like to thank all of the people and volunteers who cared for Jo at Brookdale Assisted Living, and the nurses and staff from Home Nursing, Home Hospice, and Home Equipment. The family is requesting that stories and memories of Jo be emailed to: Ima Jo Hicks Memories (subject line) nancy@spearbrothersgroup.com The family is planning an intimate celebration of Jo's life later this spring. "Her Master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!'" Matthew 25:21 Well done, indeed, Jo!