Velva Lee Hicks

Velva Lee Hicks age 90, of Gillette passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.  

Velva Lee (Schmidt) Hicks

April 20, 1934 - July 30, 2024

 Velva Lee Schmidt-Hicks was born April 20, 1934 to Levi and Thurra Schmidt in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Her life spanned 90 years, three months, and nine days. For all those that said it would never work, the last fifty-three years and twenty-eight days of her life, Velva was married to Bob Hicks. They were married on July 2, 1971 in the home of Alice and John McGuire in Gillette by Minister Ronald Wood.

 Being the excellent seamstress that she was, over the years, Velva must have sewn at least some every day of her life. Her mother began teaching her to sew by making doll clothes when she was seven years old. In the fifty-three years that she and Bob were together, she wore out seven sewing machines and two Sergers by making clothes for family and close friends. Her more than excellent abilities were recognized by many. She spent several years teaching sewing classes in a local fabric shop.

 Velva was a loving and devoted wife, caring and compassionate mother, homemaker, and faithful and devoted Christian. She was a shining example for her family and all those who knew her. Proverbs 31:10-31 is a perfect description of Velva's life.

 Velva was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Doris Johnson, her daughter Shelley Hayden and Bob’s son, James Glen Hicks.

Velva is survived by her husband, Bob Hicks of Gillette, son Alan Handrick and his wife Mary of Rock Springs, WY, son-in-law Randy Hayden, and daughter Tami Beckham and her husband Jeff of Gillette, WY. Velva is also survived by Bob's children, Marcus Hicks of Belton, MO, and Renee Snyder and her husband Tom of Edmond, OK. Velva loved and enjoyed numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was affectionately called “Sugar Granny.” She was loved deeply and will be greatly missed.

Public visitation will be held from 2pm-4pm Sunday, August 4 at Gillette Memorial Chapel (210 W. 5th St.). Memorial Service and Fellowship to be held on Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11am at Gillette Church of Christ (1204 T-7 Lane). Private graveside service will be held at Mount Pisgah Cemetery. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com