Onie May Hicks

Onie May Hicks, 83, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Roswell, New Mexico, surrounded by her friends and family. A memorial service for Onie will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Bethel Baptist Church, 2420 North Garden Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico, with Pete Crook officiating. Born on September 15, 1941, to Oma Mae and Byrd Bullard, in Pierce, Oklahoma. Onie and her family moved to Roswell at the age of six for what was supposed to be just one season of picking cotton, but after the season completed, she and her family decided to call Roswell their forever home. On December 22, 1956, as she stood by her sister’s side as the maid of honor, she caught the eye of the best man, Wilson Roy “Bill” Hicks, and as the story goes, exactly one year later, on December 22, 1957, it was Onie and Bill who would be wed. After their wedding, they moved to Farmington, New Mexico, and fifteen months later they welcomed their first daughter. They became home sick and relocated back to Roswell; it was here that they welcomed three more children. Onie and Bill were foster parents for many years while their own children were growing up; they helped many children and teenagers over the years and Onie was known as “another mother” to so many. Onie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child went to kindergarten, when she began working as the receptionist at Holsum Bakery, then went on to work for Bob Carey State Farm Insurance. After leaving State Farm, Onie began to work for the State Highway Department and later retired from the Motor Vehicle Department. Onie was a remarkable soul whose strong will and character left a lasting impression on all that knew her. If she thought you needed something done, she would be sure to tell you. Her children described her as a true force of nature, as she lived life with passion, utter determination, and unwavering love for all her friends and family. She was known for her talents as a beautiful seamstress and always made sure to pour care and love into every stitch that she made. Onie will forever be held dearly in the hearts of her four children: Jo Marie Hicks, Jacquita Beddo and husband Mike, Janetta B. Hicks, and Dan Hicks and wife Elisha; grandchildren, Michael Craycraft and wife Sarah, Vincent Palombi and wife Amanda, Valerie Palombi, Mary Hicks and partner Johnny Strickland, Joe Hicks and partner Faith Behanna, Josh Hicks, Jeremy Hicks and partner Lucy Castillo, Jared Hicks, Bowen Duncan and wife LeeAnn, Jacob Clements, Kristen Huddleston and partner Paul Huddleston, Nathan Clements and Jedidah Beddo; great-grandchildren: Paige Huddleston, Jakob Smith, Mia Huddleston, Kylee Clements and partner Cade Conlee, Aidan Huddleston, Aibhie Clements, Gage Gladu, Isaiah Clements, Clara Palombi, Coulson Palombi, Annabelle Brown and Abigail Craycraft; and many others who loved her. Onie is preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life for 64 wonderful years, Wilson Roy “Bill” Hicks; her parents, siblings, grandson William Palombi, great granddaughter Kristin Young-Amarez and many other loved ones. This tribute was written in Onie’s honor by her beloved children.

Onie May Hicks

September 15, 1941 - June 20, 2025