Christina ‘Chris’ Diane Hicks was born November 7, 1964 in Lampasas, TX. Chris passed away at her home in Ozark, MO on Sunday May 10, 2020. She is the first born child of Derl Martin and Donna Sue (Ellis) Hicks. Derl and Donna returned to the Springfield/Willard area where Chris was raised with her two younger siblings. She attended Springfield schools from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She graduated from Willard High School in 1983. Chris loved children and graduated from Ozark Technical Community College in 2004 receiving her Associates Degree in early childhood development. In 2015 Chris was diagnosed with lung cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery. Since that time she has also battled kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and basal cell carcinoma. Chris was critically ill, at times, through her fight with cancer. She fought valiantly to recover from these illnesses and remain independent. Chris is preceded in death by her father Rev. Derl Martin Hicks, her paternal grandparents Lester and Clintie Hicks, and her maternal grandparents Stanley and Helen Helton. She is survived by her mother Donna Hicks of Springfield, MO. A sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie and Michael Shepard of Republic, MO. A brother and sister-in-law, Derl Allen and Dawn Hicks of Arkansas City, KS. 1 nephew, 3 nieces, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as numerous friends and chosen family. Chris was a generous person with a huge heart who never met a stranger. She is deeply loved and will be severely missed. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Chris’ name.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 am Friday May 15, 2020 at Yeakley Chapel Cemetery under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home East.