Helen Hicks

Helen was born to Joseph and Mary Karban September 21, 1932 in Woodrow, Colorado. Born of Czechoslovakian parents, she and her siblings were first generation Americans.

Helen was raised on a farm that had originally been the community schoolhouse. The homestead is still in the family to this day. She learned early in life to appreciate family and hard work. Her father died when she was eight years old and she and her siblings helped her mother maintain the family farm.

In her teen years, Helen met Melvin Hicks from Lindon, Colorado and they married in May of 1950. After moving to the Denver area the couple had three daughters: Betty Hicks of Michigan. Susan Staley of Wyoming, and Sandra DeMarco of Colorado.

Helen was an inspiring role model for her daughters. She taught them useful skills like sewing and canning fresh vegetables from her garden. She had a strong green thumb and there was always a harvest to share with family and friends.

When her children began school, Helen took a job with Cherry Creek School District where she became kitchen manager. It was a physically demanding job and she tackled it with enthusiasm and dedication. Her fondness for children and high work ethic made her the perfect person for the job. After 20 years of service, Helen took a medical retirement. She suffered a physical job injury which began her lifelong battle with arthritis.

After 68 years of marriage, Melvin died and Helen moved in with daughter Sandra and family in Colorado. She eventually went to stay with daughter Susan and family in Wyoming where she was staying until her death. She struggled with painful arthritis and then dementia more recently.

Helen is survived by her brother Joe Karban of Woodrow, Colorado, daughters Betty, Susan (Chuck), Sandy (John), and grandchildren Brian Miller (Pam and Alex) of Colorado, Heidi Williams of Wyoming, and Angela Yearous (Todd) of Colorado. She has many nieces and nephews who will also mourn her passing.

In addition to her parents and husband Melvin, Helen is preceded in death by siblings Adele Harmon of Kansas, Frank Karban of Colorado, Dayton Karban of Colorado, granddaughter Lisa Miller of Colorado, son-in-law Robert Miller of Colorado, and grandson Matthew DeMarco of Colorado.

There will be a celebration of her life on Monday, November 9, 2020 at 10:00 at Olinger Hampden Memorial Gardens Chapel, 8600 E. Hampden Ave, Denver Colorado, 80231. Graveside burial will follow with reception afterwards. Due to COVID restrictions attendance is limited so please contact Sandra DeMarco at 303-989-2945 if you would like to attend. Face masks will be required as will be social distancing.

Helen's favorite saying when things would get her down was "this too shall pass." While it is true that the heartbreak pain will lessen with time, the fond memories and love felt for her will last forever.