Joni E. Hicks

COLEBROOK – Joni Elizabeth Hicks, 73, of Colebrook, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., with her family at her side. She was born on March 26, 1953, in West Stewartstown, a daughter to the late Osbourne A. and Betty (Pease) French. Joni was a graduate of the Colebrook Academy class of 1971. It was during those years in school where she first met her husband, Dickie Hicks. Soon after the two graduated high school, they were married and started their family. Dickie and Joni began with a small family of two boys. As the years passed, her family grew and grew, and eventually Joni was the compass of many. Her family meant the world to her and she was the glue that held them together. Joni wore many hats--wife, mom, “gram”, aunt, sister, and a friend to all. To know her was to love her. Joni was born with an unbeatable work ethic. No matter what the job was, Joni was going to get it done and get it done well. She worked for the family business, P.A. Hicks and Sons, for over 50 years, with 17 of those years running the Pittsburg yard. Her hard work extended far outside of her job. What many would see as labor was what Joni found as her greatest joys and passions, particularly working outside, gardening, projects, and with far too many tasks on her to-do list… no one could keep up with Joni. Donating her time to her community was as much of a gift to them as it was to Joni. She enjoyed creating beautiful works of art for craft fairs, scheming up ideas for parade floats, promoting fundraisers for those in need, and working behind the scenes to ensure that all felt welcomed and cared for. Aside from her constantly busy schedule, Joni always found time to have fun, to make people laugh, and to pull some of the best practical jokes. She enjoyed boat rides, Jeep-ing with the doors off, a game of cards with family and friends, cocktails and appetizers, campfires, and her dog, Maggie. As with most, the holidays were a special time to Joni. All of her favorite things came together. She would spend hours decorating and crafting, picking out the perfect gifts for those she loved, and spending her favorite kind of time--time with family. Although they were not exclusive to the holidays, Joni’s pranks and antics increased during these times. With the added family home, this was the perfect time to capitalize on an impractical joke. She always made everything fun and there was never a dull moment with her around. Joni was a simple woman in her own eyes; however, in the eyes of all who adored her, she was more than these words, or any words, could ever describe. One of her favorite t-shirts read “Be Kind, it’s not that hard.” Joni lived by these words and for her it was never hard. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her. Although her work here is done, she will always live on in our hearts as we try and live by her example. Joni is survived by her loving husband Richard “Dickie” Hicks, Jr., of Colebrook, with whom she would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this month; her two sons: Gary (Nancy) Hicks of Franklin, N.H., and Andrew (Michelle) Hicks of Colebrook; her brother, Bernard (Karen) French of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren: Andrew O. Hicks, Bryce C. Hicks, Hannah Hicks, Libbey Hicks, Brandon Turner and Erin Hill; three great-grandchildren: Oliver, Samuel and Theodore Hicks; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her sister, Judy Rucker, and her brother-in-law, Jim Rucker. There are no public calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joni may be made to the Two Rivers Relief for Cancer, Inc., P.O. Box 376, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Joni E. Hicks

March 26, 1953 - July 5, 2026