Judy Hicks

Judy Hicks, age 76 of Chadwick, Missouri, passed away peacefully Monday, October 14, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, with her children at her side, after an unexpected illness.
Judy Kay St. Clair was born July 22, 1948, to Arvel "Pete" and Agnes (Loomis) St. Clair. She graduated from Chadwick High School in 1966 and later attended Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU).
Judy married Ray Dean Kessinger in 1968 and to this union, two children were born, daughter Janna and son Douglas. Later in life, Judy married Denton Hicks, who passed away just 3 months ago in July. They would have celebrated their 30 wedding anniversary this month.
While raising her family, Judy diligently worked as a bookkeeper and secretary during her career with employers such as Johnston Industrial Supply, Cox Hospital Branson (formerly Skaggs), The Office of Dr. Charles Spears MD, and the Branson Business Journal, among others. She later managed all the farm administrative and accounting duties for 30 years up to her passing.
She also volunteered in her community in various ways. She played piano at Highlandville Assembly of God and then later for Oakwood Baptist Church for many years. She volunteered her time as a secretary/treasurer at Oakwood Baptist as well as for the Chadwick Cemetery. Judy was a primary caregiver later in life to many of her family including her mother-in-law, father, uncle, mother and most recently, her husband, Denton.
Judy was a believer in Christ and was baptized at Swan Creek at an early age, carrying her faith with her throughout her life and bestowing it to her children. She was humble, smart and had a quick wit. She enjoyed all kinds of music, genealogy, archeology, and intelligent conversations. She was a talented artist and her funny drawings and quips about their livestock and pets were often interspersed in her cards and writings to our delight.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; brother Michael; father of her children, Ray Dean; and husband Denton.
Judy will be dearly missed by her surviving family, daughter Janna Jenkins husband Robert of Chadwick; son Doug Kessinger wife Tierra; grandchildren Aspin Durbin husband Cameron, Trevin, Tandin and Scotlin Kessinger; and great-grandson Hotchner, all of Pittsburg, KS; brother Ron St. Clair wife Denise; aunt Marie Davis husband J.W.; cousin Shirley Essick; nephew Joe Hicks wife Christy all of Chadwick; a very special cousin and kindred spirit, Bette Sue Lucas husband Elbert of Mead, WA; and a host of other dear cousins, extended family and loyal friends. Special thanks to Felisha Mitchell who provided thoughtful and gentle support throughout this challenging year for Judy, Denton and their family.
Mom's passing was sudden and untimely, especially in light of the recent loss of Denton. We cling to Psalms 73:26, which reminds us, as well as John 11:25-26,
Judy's family is following her wishes to be cremated. Memorial Funeral Services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 25, 2024, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark with Pastor Gary Jennings and Pastor John Mitchell officiating. Visitation will start 1 hour prior at 9:30 A.M Friday until service time in the funeral home. A burial will follow in Chadwick Memorial Cemetery, Chadwick, MO.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.