Annie 'Ann' Hicks of Bluffton, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the age of 92 years.
Ann was born on January 27, 1927 on a farm near Lipton, Saskatchewan. She was the second oldest of twelve children, and helped to look after her younger siblings following the passing of her father when Ann was only 16 years old. Later, she worked as a cook in various logging camps throughout Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. where her brothers were also employed. In 1958, Ann attended nursing aide classes in Calgary. While she was employed in High River, Ann met John Hicks and they were united in marriage soon after. Their daughter, Jean was born at High River before the family relocated to the Bluffton area where Marilyn, Debra, and Lloyd soon arrived. Ann was employed at the Rimbey Hospital where she worked as a cook. Known for her exceptional cooking abilities, her homemade perogies and pies were sought after by many! A huge garden graced the farm to feed the family, and Ann's house was always filled with flowers and plants of many kinds. Outside, the yard was home to her chickens, ducks, geese, and the infamous 'guard' turkey ... who, at his eventual demise, had to be cut in half to fit into the oven!!
Ann is survived by her loving family: her children, Jean (Dorn) Becker of Grande Prairie; Marilyn (Phil) Becker of Ardrossan, Alberta; Debra (Tim) Chmarney of Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan; and Lloyd (Susan) Hicks of Edmonton; as well as five treasured grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Walter Kozak of Prince George, B.C.; and four sisters: Frances Houghton of Summerland, B.C.; Jean (Zenon) Spilchuk of Nipawin, Saskatchewan; Eileen (Alfred) Groeger of St. Walburg, Saskatchewan; and Marie Chipchase of Longview; and she will also be sincerely missed by her dear friend, Elsie Frank of Ponoka; in addition to many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and several additional friends. Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband, John in 2005; her grandson, Justin Becker in 2000; five brothers: John, Steve, Carl, George, and Lorne Kozak; and one sister, Dorothy 'Rose' Kozak.
An Informal Gathering of Family and Friends in Celebration of Ann's Life was held at the farm of Ann Hicks, Bluffton on Saturday, November 2, 2019. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Ann's Memory may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, #202, 5913 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4C4 (www.heartandstroke.ca); or to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, #1, 5550 - 45 Street, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1L1 (www.alzheimer.ab.ca). Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Annie 'Ann' Hicks entrusted to the care of: Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.
Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.