Mrs. Rosalea Fern Hicks, 97, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at her home in Lebanon, Indiana. She was born in Martinsville, Illinois on March 29, 1927, the daughter of the late George B. and Gladys Fay (Vanarsdalen) Gilbert.
She attended elementary school in Illinois and graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis.
On August 20, 1950, she married Charles Gilbert Hicks in Indianapolis. He preceded her in death on March 11, 2009, sharing 58 loving years together.
Prior to her marriage she was employed at Sears in Indianapolis. She also was a switch board operator in Hazelrigg.
Rosalea was a member of Walnut Street Baptist Church in Lebanon. She enjoyed watching tv, playing cards, and babysitting. Rosalea was a dedicated homemaker, and her greatest joy was her family.
Survivors include her two children, Brenda L. Hicks of Indianapolis and James M. (Jane) Hicks of Kempton; five grandchildren, Christian F. Welch of Winchester, Adrianne D. Jessie of Indianapolis, Tiffany D. (Derrick) Freeman of Frankfort, Serena D. (Ronald) Hale of Lebanon, and Christopher Straub of Lebanon; ten great grandchildren; sister, Shirley Wooten of Winston Salem, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Rosalea was preceded in death by her children, Carol A. (George) Straub and Joe A. Hicks; brother, Edward Gilbert; and sister, Dean Fulton.
Funeral Services are planned for 12:00 noon on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Memorials may be directed in her memory to the Boone County Cancer Society, 1208 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com.