Connie Sue Hicks was the daughter of the late Elmer Hicks and Janie Hicks. Connie was born on May 2, 1946, in Champion. She passed away with Dignity and Grace on Dec. 19, 2020, surrounded by the love of her family and the assurance of being reunited with her loved ones. Connie was a bright star in often rough seas. She was feisty and full of life and in days of better health she was a powerhouse of energy. Connie was a friend and confidant to all that knew her and much of her life was consumed with giving all that she had, monetarily and spiritually. She was always the first to join in your vices, both good and bad. She was adept at noodling a fish, shooting a squirrel, milking a cow or arm wrestling a wayward person into submission. Connie’s childhood was one that she felt grateful for. She was raised in a poor and humble household, rich in love and the simple beauty of the outdoors. Connie grew up in Champion and attended school and church in the same small building. She was the valedictorian of her small class. Connie’s family and neighbors were very tight-knit and she recounted stories of reading by kerosene lamp, eating homemade popcorn and listening to the radio at night for entertainment. Connie had many different jobs including running dairy farms, working as a waitress or cocktail waitress and caretaker for children and the elderly. She was often a single parent and worked very hard to provide for her children, however, her work did not define her. Connie was a steadfast and true mother, grandmother and friend. She kept your deepest secrets, never judged and was always supportive. Connie would protect and defend her flock to her death. Connie would reach out to support the lonely and neglected and she was a champion for those who needed a leg up.
Connie is survived by her children, Kecia Sanders, of Las Cruces, N.M.; Chance Sanders and his wife, Laurie Coffman, and Lance Jones and his wife, Alonda, all of Mountain Grove; 11 grandchildren, Ryder, Ella, Noah, Daelyn, Cody, Adrien, Kylie, Ryder, Katie, Kiara and Reina; and one great–grandchild, Remington. Connie has a remaining sister, Sharroll, her ‘Sistas’ Kathy and Kay, and an abundance of extended family and friends who will deeply miss her. The world will be much less bright and more weary without her. The family will be holding a small intimate memorial service at New Hope Church and Cemetery in Drury, Douglas County, Missouri, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. A much larger get together is planned for Connie’s birthday, Sunday, May 2, 2021, to swap stories, laugh and celebrate Connie’s big beautiful life. All who knew her are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the New Hope Cemetery, Drury, Douglas County, Missouri. Cremation services under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
