Willie John Hicks passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025 at the age of 53 at his home in Umatilla surrounded by his family and friends.
Willie was born on Dec. 29, 1971 in Pocatello, Idaho.
He was raised and went to school in Blackfoot, Idaho. Willie was adopted when he was 3 weeks old by Dennis and Annette Hayball Hicks of Blackfoot, Idaho. The Hicks family also adopted Willie’s biological brother, Denny Dean Hicks in 1972, and they were raised together. Willie had a genuine sense of humor and a love for all things funny. No matter what, he was always smiling and laughing.
He married and is survived by the love of his life, Delpha Jo Smith Hicks on Aug. 8, 1998 in Umatilla. They built a life rooted in love and tradition. Willie had a deep connection to his native spirituality and found immense joy dancing to the rhythm of traditional drums at pow-wows. Known for his exceptional beadwork and handcrafted regalia, Willie offered many gifts from the heart to those he loved. His laughter was infectious and his magnetic spirit drew people in with ease. Above all else, Willie cherished being a parent and grandparent. Willie and Delpha opened their home and hearts offering unconditional love to many children throughout their 27 years together.
In addition to Delpha, Willie is survived by his daughter, Chyyanne Summer Miller-Hicks; his cherished grandson, Wyatt Duff and his son-in-law, Matt Duff; daughter, Carrie Anne Minnie Hicks; son, Dyylan Miller; daughter-in-law, Kayla Maynard; grandkids, Sebastian Miller and Serenity Miller; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stuart and Valda Irvin Smith; his dad and mom, Dennis and Annette Hayball Hicks; brother and sister-in-law, Mitch and Tiffany Gross Hicks; brother-in-law and sister, Jerry and Traci Hicks Santillanes; his brother, Denny Dean Hicks; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles; and his beloved pow-wow families and all of the kids they brought into his life, all of whom remember his infectious laughter and appreciation for the simple things. He is also survived by his biological father, Dennis Phelps and biological sisters, Alvina Phelps and Marlene Phelps.
Willie was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Grant and Madeleine Robinson Hicks and maternal grandparents, Arthur and Erma Partridge Hayball; uncle, Norm Hayball; his biological mother, Adeline Yupe Phelps; two biological half siblings who preceded Adeline in death; and other biological half siblings, Ernestine Pandoah (later known as Catherine Mahoney) and Emmanuel Pandoah.
Willie did not want a formal funeral service, but a traditional ceremonial service for family and friends will take place at a later date on the banks of the Salmon River in Idaho.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Willie’s closest friends for their loving support, and also Good Shepherd Hospice services.
An open house will be held on June 23, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 3060 Teeples Drive in Blackfoot, Idaho at the home of Dennis and Annette Hicks. Please join the family for appetizers, fellowship and celebration of Willie’s huge heart. All are invited to bring and share memories of our brother.
May we all find comfort in our memory of Willie echoing through laughter, rhythm, and love.
