Arnita Lois Hickman

Arnita Hickman of Marysville & Mukilteo, Washington was born June 15, 1924 and died surrounded by family on October 18, 2016 at the age of 92, due to complications from a fall. Born in Paducah, Kentucky, she was the only child born to parents Ella Freeman and Everett Driskill. Arnita went to Lindenwood College in Missouri and Southern Illinois University before moving to the West Coast with mother and step-father John Askew. She proudly worked as a nursing assistant at Virginia Mason Hospital during 2nd World War & Pan American Airlines at Boeing Field. She then lived in Los Angeles for a time and worked for the Mayfair Hotel and in Denver at the Cosmopolitan Hotel before returning to Seattle and working at the Olympic & Roosevelt Hotels. It was in the hotel industry that she met her husband, Wm. A. Hickman who spent his career in banking.

Before having a family Arnita was a part of the historical World’s Fair and worked for the State of Washington Expos Lodging office from 1961-62. Arnita and Bill raised two children in Marysville, Washington. She is survived by her son, Art Hickman (Mukilteo) and daughter, Susan Howard Hickman (Seattle). She lost her husband, Bill, in 1997.

“Nita” as she was affectionately called was known for her great smile and wonderful since of humor – loved to laugh. She was also known for her fabulous cooking skills and was a terrific hostess. She loved to entertain and was known for her homemade Christmas Divinity and Eggnog by many! Thoroughly enjoyed interacting with people and could remember names like no other. She and family were members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett for many years. Arnita enjoyed the piano but always said she wasn’t good at it (not true). During college years she was a lifesaving/lifeguard instructor through the Red Cross and quite the diver herself. She enjoyed reading and would do book exchanges with neighbors and family. She was also a great local sports fan.

We will miss those wonderful days and those good times but will savor the very, very fond memories she has left us with.

Love you Mom. God Bless…