Donna Mae (Novotny) Hicks

Donna Mae (Novotny) Hicks, 63, Stockton, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 19, 2024, in Kearney, Nebraska.

She was born at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hutchinson, Kansas on May 2, 1961, to William J. Novotny and Dorothy M. (Irsik) Novotny. On February 8, 1980, Donna married Gary E. Hicks in Hutchinson. Together they had two sons, Ronald J. Hicks and Richard W. Hicks.

Donna spent her life spreading love, kindness, knowledge, and art to all. Donna was an active Grassroots artist and enjoyed sharing her love of Grassroots Art with the world. She loved teaching children about bugs, animals, plants, and arts and crafts. She was our family entomologist and reference library.

She is survived by her two sons, Ronald (Terah) and Richard; grandchildren, Annabel Hicks and Brenton Powell; mother, Dorothy; siblings, Elaine (Monte) Ingraham, Linda Case, Susan Bandt (Jerry Sanders), Kathy (Mike) Rector, Jeanny Neuway, Marilyn Suskey, John (Veronica) Novotny, and Sam Novotny; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, and father, William.

Donna’s vibrant life will be celebrated at noon on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the Stockton City building in Stockton.

Let’s keep Donna’s art legacy alive and support her home away from home. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Grassroots Art Center and Switchgrass Artists Cooperative in Lucas, Kansas. Donations may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N 1st St, Stockton, KS 67669.