Marijo Lifford

MariJo (Hicks) Lifford, 84, of Mason, Michigan, surprisingly went to fly with the heavenly angels at approximately 1:45 am on Monday, October 26, 2026, from the University of Michigan Health Sparrow Hospital after a sudden, brief illness.

Our beautiful MariJo was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Leonard and Maxine Hicks on February 2, 1942. Marijo was the middle child of their three children. Marijo completed her high school requirements with a Diploma from J.W. Sexton High School in January of 1960 and remained in this general area her entire life.

On September 3, 1961, she married Delmar Eugene (Gene) Hall, and together they had two sons, Curt and Jeff Hall. The marriage dissolved in 1972. Remaining friends, they raised the kids cooperatively.

In April 1979, MariJo was married to the love of her life, James Lifford, who also had two children from a previous marriage. Together they raised their four children.

MariJo worked as a secretary at Oldsmobile and Adam’s Tool and Engineering. Finishing her working career, MariJo owned MariJo’s Tanning and Nail salon. In her younger years, she found a passion for dancing that carried her through adulthood. MariJo competed in multiple dance competitions with the love of her life, James (Jim) Lifford. They were quite the team complimentary of each other on that dance floor.

MariJo had multiple special talents with the largest, most kindest heart. Her love to make others happy was obvious in her generous, kind personality. Her love to make others smile and her generosity to others is exceptional. Many friends and family were gifted with beautiful hand-designed floral arrangements or gifts.

Another great talent MariJo had was creating beautiful flower gardens. You could say she has a green thumb because anything she planted grew into a lovely flower. She could turn any mound of dirt into an impressive creation of gorgeous flowers and colors.

Being a huge Spartan Fan created a bit of family banter and fun with her kids and grandkids, as they are University of Michigan fans. MariJo was a serious Michigan State super fan, with her home and apparel showing her love for the team.

One of the largest treasures to MariJo was her two beautiful Yorkies, Bubba and Bitsy. These dogs were the center of her world, so very dear to her pet-loving heart. There was no moment that these two dogs did not feel the love from MariJo’s large heart.

MariJo is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Gary Hicks, and the love of her life, James Lifford. We know Jim is anxiously awaiting her arrival in the heavens.

Surviving MariJo are her two sons, Curt (Kelley) Hall, Jeff Hall, two stepchildren, Craig Lifford, (Ron) Amy Boyd, four grandchildren, Nick (Alison) Hall, (Adriana) Megan Rivera, Dallas Hall and Skylar Hall; and a brother, Robert Hicks, multiple nephews, nieces and cousins.

Following MariJo’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be set at a later date.