Mary Hicks

Mary (Hartley) Hicks , age 74, passed into everlasting life on March 23rd, 2025. A woman of many interests and accomplishments, she is remembered as someone whose friendship blessed countless people, bringing out the best in them.

Mary was born in rural North Carolina. Known for her ability and drive, she won awards as a student, deciding to enter the health services field. Her first experience was as a nurse doing home visitation in rural Appalachia, which was often an adventure! She joined the Air Force as an officer, where she had diverse placements. While serving in obstetrics-gynecology and then a desert-training mobile nurses station, she was consistently praised for her efficiency and skill, mixed with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. After her military stint she was a nurse in a boy’s juvenile detention facility and then served as a director in long term care facilities, specializing in dementia care.

Mary married Glen Hicks in 2000, and moved to Port Orchard, Washington. They had 3 acres where Mary loved gardening, creating whimsical outdoor spaces, and sharing it with wildlife and 7 rescue dogs she and Glen cared for! She also used her great love of crafting, sewing, and all things artsy, to teach and develop relationships with many young women who came to love her as well.

Mary had many challenges in her life, including multiple battles with cancer and its effects. During her last prolonged illness, she continued to be a blessing to many. She connected with all her caregivers and never failed to inspire or enlighten all with her humor and interests-- from how to clean a vacuum to live-action eagle nesting or rescue donkeys in Australia! The core of her life was her faith in Christ her Savior, her rest in her Heavenly Father’s love, and the joy and sustenance of the Holy Spirit, which she testified caried her through her hardest days.