Sharon Lee Hicks was born on October 15, 1942, in Decatur, Illinois. She passed away on June 30, 2024, in West Des Moines, Iowa.
A member of the First Baptist Church, Sharon was a 1960 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. She later attended both Illinois State Normal and Millikin University. She was active in community theater, dance recitals, and synchronized swimming groups. She was an instructor at Progress School, a facility for young people with special needs, from 1962-1965. Sharon later became the aquatic director at the Decatur YWCA and eventually at the YWCA in Des Moines, Iowa. She was a member of the American Red Cross, and supporter and coach of Special Olympics programs. After retirement from the YWCA, Sharon enjoyed working at Prairie Meadows handling the money on the casino floor.
She is survived by her sister Judy Bauman (Jerry) Naperville Illinois, two nephews - Greg Bauman (Vicky) Lisle Illinois and Kevin Bauman (Alex) Waukee Iowa, one niece Tracy Gates (Brian) Villa Park Illinois; four great nephews - Brady and Mikey Gates, Eli and R.J. Bauman, and cousin Linda Edelhofer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Harold and Dorothy Jane Davis Hicks.
A private family celebration of her life was held in Waukee, Iowa on July 13, 2024.
Sharon was exceptionally kind, evident in the fact she always took in a stray cat or rescue dog all her life. She will be so missed by her family and friends.
