Mary A. Hicks

Mary Ann (née Rea) Hicks, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. She was born on August 16, 1926, to Robert and Marie (Mellick) Rea in Waukon, Iowa, where she was raised on the family farm.

Mary attended a local country school through eighth grade before graduating from St. Patrick’s High School in Waukon. She later continued her education at Luther College in Decorah. Following graduation, she taught school for two years before moving to Rockford in 1947 to begin the next chapter of her life.

Mary devoted many years of service to local government, eventually retiring from the Rockford Township Assessor’s Office in December 2010.

Her move to Rockford also led her to the love of her life, William Hicks. The two were united in marriage on June 24, 1950, at West Ridge (St. John the Baptist) Catholic Church in Waukon. Together, they built a loving family and shared more than 52 wonderful years of marriage.

Mary treasured time spent with her family above all else. She held dear the memories made on family car trips, scenic vacations, and countless gatherings with loved ones. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.

She also had a joyful spirit and a few favorite pastimes, which she lovingly referred to as the “3 C’s” — Cards, Country music, and Casinos — all of which brought her much happiness throughout the years.

Mary is survived by her children, Cheryl (Terry) Fuller, Patrick (Dr. Lynn Barbour) Hicks, John (Michelle) Hicks and Kathleen (Peter) Grimes; her daughter-in-law, Mary L. Hicks; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Zach) Enderle, Amy Hicks, Nicholas (Kim) Fuller, Justin Hicks, Dr. Megan (Dr. Tim) Foeller, Mike Hicks, Shawn (Natallia) Hicks, Katie (Nate) Wiemers, Sarah (Chase) Nelson, Greg (Cherish) Theiss, Dr. Haley Hicks, Kayla (Andy) Eisenbacher, Sydney Hicks, Alicia Grimes, Jake Grimes, Anna Grimes and Savannah Grimes; and great-grandchildren, Quinn, Eli, Sienna, Madeleine, William, Leo, Avery, Emmett, Mila, Audrey and Ellie, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; her son, Robert; her infant son, Jimmy; her brothers, William, Raymond, and Raphael Rea; her sisters-in-law, Lois, Ruth, and Joyce Rea.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Wesley Willows for the care and support they showed Mary in the last decade of her life.

A visitation for Mary will take place at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103 on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:30. Mary will then be interred at Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 11:45 am.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary A. Hicks, please visit our floral store.