Barbara Marie Hicks, 94, passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. She was born in Fort Wayne, IN on October 1, 1931 to the late Vern and Vera Otte. Barb graduated from the nursing program at the St. Joe School of Nursing. Over the course of her career, Barb worked for several doctors and then very much enjoyed being a school nurse for the Fort Wayne Community Schools. One of the highlights of her career was meeting the coach of an injured Central Catholic player. She and that coach, Bill Hicks, were married on June 12th, 1954.

A devout Catholic, she was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Church. Some of Barb's favorite pastimes were watching her Purdue Boilermakers, having the grandkids and great-grandkids over to her pool, and spending time with good friends, nieces, nephews, and family.

Surviving are her four children, Tim (Denice) Hicks, Elaine (Thom) Maher, Angie (Rich) Beil, Frankfort, IL. and Tracy (Alex) Choka; Grandchildren Amy (James Skowronski) and Jennifer Hicks, Dr. Tommy (Brittany Harrell) Maher, Emily (Steve) Johnson, Sam (Katy), Barbara and Maggie Maher, Ann (Zach), Owen, Laura Lorenz, Carolyn (Joseph) Ogunmefun and Molly (Jackson) Omushien, Jessie Lindsey, Andrea (Justin) Shaughnessy and Carla (Norm) Knapke: Great Grandchildren Sophia, Charlie, William, Flori, Francis, Louis, Ellie, Emmett, Evan, Maddy, Becca, Rosie, Maverick, Jett, Josie, Amelia and Josephine and numerous grand dogs. Also surviving is a sister, Susie (James) Poiry. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Hicks; son Billy Hicks; parents Vern and Vera Otte; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Tom Parsenow.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10am Monday, August 3, 2026 with a visitation one hour prior at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church 4500 Fairfield Ave. Fort Wayne, IN 46807. Visitation will also be held 4-7pm Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either St. John the Baptist, 4500 Arlington, Fort Wayne, IN. 46807, or to Visiting Angels, 5811 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN. 46804.