Mary Hickox

Mary Kathryn Hickox was born November 18, 1945 in Fairbury, Nebraska to Warren and Marjarie Hruska/Hickox. Mary passed away peacefully March 5, 2025. Mary was raised in Eugene, Oregon graduating from Willamette High School. Upon graduation Mary and her childhood and life long friend Roseann (Riggs) enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Mary was very proud of her service and trained as an Electronics Technician in Memphis, Tennessee. She served her tour of duty at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California programming and maintaining flight simulators for Navy fighter pilot training. 

Following her service Mary attended and graduated from California State University Fresno with a degree in education. For 10 years she taught biology and chemistry at Madera Unified High School in California. She then completed her counseling credential from Fresno Pacific University. For the next 20 years, being her true passion, Mary enjoyed counseling Madera High School students. 

Mary was a fun loving, kind and generous individual. She genuinely liked and respected everyone she met. Mary was a serious card and cribbage player in her day. Growing up she spent many weekends camping and fishing with her parents in Westfir, OR often dragging Roseann along for the fun. Her joy for nature and the outdoors continued throughout her life Mary was passionate about her Tennessee Volunteers especially Pat Summit's Lady Vols. She also had a huge fondness for her home town Oregon Ducks and her alma mater Bulldogs. When she wasn't tending to the pets or gardening Mary loved reading, and quilting as well as touring and shopping with her friends. Mary will be remembered fondly by her family, extended family and friends as well as all those who were fortunate enough to have encountered her smile and laughter. 

     For those who wish to donate in memory of Mary suggestions are Heart and Home Hospice, Baker City, Pat Summit's Foundation for Alzheimer's Research or Best Friends of Baker through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com