Mildred M. Hickman, 90, passed away Jan. 21, 2016 at Providence St. Peter Hospital, Olympia, Washington. She was born Aug. 17, 1925 to John and Gertrude (Ames) Malnerich, at Lincoln Creek, Lewis County, Washington. She attended school at Galvin and graduated from Centralia High School in 1943.
Mildred married Kenneth Hickman in September 1943 and they settled in Centralia to raise their family and happily live out the rest of their days. Mildred worked at the Churchill Glove Factory for a number of years and then after attending college was employed by the state of Washington at the State Patrol and Department of Transportation, retiring in 1991.
She was very active and always needed to be busy. She had been involved with her family and other friends at St. Marys Church in the preparation and serving of the monthly senior lunch, until she was in her mid 80s. She also worked at Kmart for a few years and at Forest Grange bingo. Mildred volunteered at the Chehalis Moose Lodge and you would see her there many times assisting in special activities.
Mildred was a member of St. Marys church, Forest Grange and the Chehalis Moose.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth L. Hickman; daughter, Susan Fordyce; granddaughter, Sheri Butterworth; and her brother, Denny Malnerich.
Mildred is survived by her daughters, Dianna Smith-Chappell (Harvey) of Centralia and Judy Riker (John Strunks) of Olympia; brother, Tom Malnerich of Seattle; sister, Dorothy Boyd of Chehalis; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her two fur babies, Trixie and Bandit
A vigil service (rosary) will be Feb. 16, 2016, 4:00 p.m. at St. Marys Church, Centralia, Washington. The funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church, Centralia, Washington. A memorial reception will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Moose Club, 1400 Grand Ave., Centralia WA 98531.
We will miss the sparkle in your eyes, your sweet gentle smile, your determined encouragement and your constant love and affection. Your presence will be with us always and our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
