Joyce Hicks

Joyce Hicks, age 94, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Our loving mother, Lillian Joyce Hicks, passed away May 23, 2020 at the Philip Hospital in Philip. She was a residence of the Kadoka Nursing Home prior to her illness and death.
Lillian Joyce Briggs, known as Joyce to her family and friends, was born January 23, 1926 at Kadoka, South Dakota to Floyd and Fay (Scott) Briggs. Joyce spent her childhood and adult life in the Kadoka Community. She married the love of her life Melvin Hicks, November 20, 1943 at Rapid City, South Dakota.
Joyce lived a long and fruitful life. She loved her family, community and country. She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and serving on various committees.
She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, The American Legion Auxiliary, and the Kadoka Community Betterment Association. She was elected to serve on the Kadoka City Council and served on the board of the Kadoka Nursing Home.
Some of Joyce’s greatest accomplishments include raising money to build a swimming pool for the youth of the Kadoka community, restoring the historical Pearl Hotel, and converting the local Train Depot now known as the Kadoka Depot Museum. She spent many hours volunteering at the Museum welcoming visitors and sharing with them many stories about the history of the community she loved.
Survivors include four sons Raymond Hicks and his wife Linda of Rapid City, Gary Hicks and his wife Teresa of Rapid City, Larry Hicks and his wife Sheryl of Deadwood, and Jimmy Hicks and his wife Jeanine of Lodi, California; four daughters Patsy Handcock of Brighton, Colorado, Sherry Peterson of Hot Springs, Peggy Williams and her husband Don of Black Hawk, and Melva Hicks of Casper, Wyoming; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Hicks on October 11 1988; two brothers Beauford and Clifford Briggs; one sister Margaret Barrett; two grandchildren in infancy; two great-grandchildren; and three sons-in-law Jerry Peterson, Fred Ruff, and Ben Handcock.
Memorial services will be held 3:00 pm MDT on Thursday, June 4, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.
Interment will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Kadoka.