She was born on April 7, 1937 in Freeport, Texas to Amos and Estelle Rose.
She attended schools in Texas, Illinois and Kentucky, as her step-father worked in construction and moved from state to state with the building of new dams.
She met and married James A. Hickey on Sept. 3, 1954. She continued with her senior year of high school and graduated from Brazosport High School in May, 1955.
She worked as a practical nurse in Laramie, Wyo., Mercy Hospital in Redding, Calif., Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Wash., and Good Shepherd Hospital in Hermiston. She drove forklift at Lamb Weston in Hermiston and Boardman. Her favorite job, though, was at Hinkle working for Stubby Transportation as a yard hostler. She loved the banter and giving the rail crews a bad time when picking them up or taking them to the trains.
She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, reading and bowling. She was the secretary of the Kings and Queens bowling league on Monday nights. She bowled on the Thursday night Women’s Major League, the Tuesday Morning Coffee League and the Travel League. She had the most fun as a member of Mother Goose and Her Four Quackers for bowling tournaments. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Vets Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Hoopaw (Jennings); brothers, John Ross and Jim Hoopaw; daughter, Sherri; son, Tom; eight grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Leonard (Curly) Hoopaw; her husband; sons, Danny and Doug; and step-son, James A. Hickey, Jr.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Ashley Manor, especially Minerva, Kim, Anna, Lilly and Dahna, who have been there for her and loved her as an extended family member. I know that she was in your hearts and was your “little trouble maker”. We will be forever grateful for your love and support. Thank you.
The family would also like to thank Vange John Hospice for the support that they have given to Mom in her time of need. Thank you so much.
Any donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans or to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundations.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery in Hermiston.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
