Mary Ella Hickman of Yuma, Colorado was born to William and Beaulah (Wells) Chapman, on February 22, 1944, in Yuma, Colorado and passed away at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, Colorado on May 19, 2024, at the age of 80.
Mary spent her early years on the family farm southwest of Eckley, Colorado. Her father, William, passed away when she was a teenager, so she later attended schools in Snyder and Brush, graduating from Brush High school.
Following high school, she moved to Greeley where she worked as a receptionist and assistant at Kadlacek Photography.
She married Victor Clair Hickman, known as Clair, on April 5, 1964, in Brush, Colorado. They began their married life in Hillrose farming with Clair’s father. They later moved north of Ft. Morgan following the 1965 flood of the South Platte River. From high ground, they watched as the waters moved their first home off its foundation. They gave birth to their daughter, Amy, in 1967 and their son, Troy, in 1970. Later in 1970, they began a farm and ranch operation north of Yuma, which they tended and grew over the next 40 years until their retirement.
Mary was an active and dedicated member of First Southern Baptist Church in Yuma. Known to many as Miss Mary, she loved young children and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for the youngest churchgoers over the course of many years. Many of Mary’s earliest students later had their children attend Miss Mary’s classes. Mary loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. For many years, she led the church choir and sang special arrangements for church services, weddings, and funerals.
Mary enjoyed textiles and handwork such as sewing, crocheting, cross stitch, and other activities. She decorated her home and shared handmade treasures with friends and family. She also served as a judge at local county fairs for sewing and craft competitions.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Clair; her parents, William and Beaulah Chapman; sisters Betty Briggs, Earlene Ferguson, and Ramona Welp Crownover; and brothers Dearld, Billy, and Marion.
She is survived by her children Amy of Wray, and son Troy (Selina) of Montpelier, VT, grandsons Elliot and Maxwell of Montpelier, VT, brother Keith (Betty) of Vacaville, CA, and sister-in-law Hazel Chapman of Wray.
Funeral services were be held on Friday, May 24 at 10:30 a.m. at First Southern Baptist Church in Yuma with Pastor Douglas Pierce officiating. Interment followed at the Yuma Cemetery. Friends who wish to make memorial gifts are encouraged to give to First Southern Baptist Church, 1101 S. Albany, Yuma, CO. 80759 or Hillcrest Care Center, 360 Canyon Ridge Drive, Wray, CO. 80758. Services directed by Baucke Funeral Home.