Republic/Kalamazoo- Celia E. Hicks, age 89, longtime Kalamazoo and Republic resident, passed away on Friday August 23, 2019 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, nursing home staff, and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice.

Celia was born in Wayland Township, MI on November 14, 1929, daughter of the late Lyle and Edna (Wilde) Sager. She graduated from Portage Central High School before working as an office clerk for Consumer Power Electric Company for 36 years. She married the late Ronald I. Hicks in 1958, they were married for 45 years.

Celia was a member of the Red Hat Society, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and the Republic Historical Society. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, was a tootsie roll connoisseur, enjoyed travelling in her fifth wheel with her husband, loved to crochet, do word searches, play BINGO, and enjoyed making pasties at the Catholic Church in Republic.

Celia is survived by 5 children- Sharon Hicks, Ronnie (Jeanne) Hicks, Steve (Nancy) Hicks, Debbie (Jack Tonge) Pellow, Patty (Todd) Rankinen, 1 daughter-in-law- Carol Hicks, 2 siblings- Pat Myers, Donald Sager, 24 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren with one on the way, 1 great great grandson, special nephew- Jack Arnold, special niece- Debra Lynn Gransinger, along with numerous other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband- Ronald Hicks, son- Thomas Hicks, grandson- Scott Hicks, granddaughter- Emily Greenman, 7 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Celia's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 11:00am on Saturday August 31, 2019 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00am with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the Ishpeming Elks Lodge. Inurnment will take place in the Republic Cemetery.

Celia's family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility and Lake Superior Hospice.

Celia's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

A recording of Celia's service may be listened to here.