Pauline "Polly" Caroline (Arning) Hicks

Pauline C. “Polly” Hicks, age 103, of Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 5:58 P.M. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.  She was born in Washington County, Illinois, on November 21, 1915, the daughter of Louis and Marie Grathwohl Arning. 

She married Donald G. Hicks in Centralia, Illinois, on July 31, 1937 and he preceded her in death on March 20, 1973.  In addition to her husband of 35 years, she was preceded in death by her son, Donald G. Hicks, Jr.; brothers, Victor Arning, Edwin Arning and Warren Arning and sisters, Corrine Selmanaj, Frances Maher and Rosalie Maschhoff.

Mrs. Hicks is survived by her daughter-in-law, Marcia Hicks of Centralia, Illinois; daughter, Rae Ellen Lampe and husband Robert of Cumming, Georgia; five grandchildren, Tony Hicks and wife Colleen, Jim Hicks, Kristen Bodeker and husband Dan, Robert Lampe and wife Allison and Kimberly Jacobs and husband Brandon; seven great-grandchildren, Jessica Hicks, Kayla Hicks, Michael Bodeker, Anna Lampe, Reagan Lampe, Brayden Jacobs and Quinn Jacobs and brother, Norman Arning and wife Margaret of Hoyleton, Illinois.

Mrs. Hicks was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois.  She was employed as a secretary for State Farm Insurance for 26 years.  She was active in local organizations and volunteerism.  She was involved with AARP, the Centralia Area Historical Museum, Centralia Clean and Green-Recycling Center, Centralia Balloon Fest, Business and Professional Women’s Club and was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s “Pink Ladies” Auxiliary.  She served as an election judge, assisted with the Centralia Halloween Parade, delivered Meals On Wheels and rang bells for the Salvation Army.

She received numerous awards and honors from the national AARP, American Association of University Women, Business and Professional Women’s Club, Centralia Jaycees and the Marion County Homemakers Extension.

A Private Family Graveside Service for Mrs. Pauline C. “Polly” Hicks will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Mark Girardin officiating.  There will be no public visitation.  Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Hicks’ honor to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Hicks’ family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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