Ross Hicks

Ross Allen Hicks, 85, passed away on January 24, 2017, at Bennett County Hospital in Martin, SD.

Funeral services will be January 28, 2017, at 10:00 AM at the New American Legion, Martin, SD, with Pastor Bill Hines officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Martin Community Cemetery immediately following the service. A lunch will be provided at the New American Legion following the burial. A viewing will be held at the Bennett County Funeral Home on January 27, 2017, 6pm to 8pm. Prayers will be at 7pm.

Ross was born and raised near Martin, SD. In his early years, he helped with the farming and ranching south of Martin. Later the family moved and established the Hicks Dairy, where Ross helped with milking cows and farming. After graduating from Bennett County High School in 1949, Ross continued farming, ranching and working with the dairy business until he joined the Army in 1952. Highlights of his Army experience included time spent in Hawaii and Alaska where he was in the B Battery 450th Artillery Unit. In 1953 Ross was promoted to Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

On January 22, 1955 Ross married Marva Howe and they began farming/ranching north of Martin. Ross was proud of building Hicks Ranch over the next 54 years before retiring and moving to "Easy" Street in Martin. Ross loved animals, the land and spending time with his family and friends. For many years memories were made fishing on Sunday afternoons. Ross enjoyed hunting and helping his children and several grandchildren harvest their first buck. Trail riding, having picnics and family gatherings were highlights of his life. Ross ensured his children had a good education and incorporated 4-H into their daily lives. Ross loved the sunrises; starting each day early to accomplish many hours of work.

Ross will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Marva (Howe); five children Merle (Adrienne) of Martin, Harvey (Carol) of Spearfish, SD, Delbert (Courtney) of Martin, Nancy (John) Arsenault of Fountain Hills, AZ, Mary Kay (Dave) Sell of Martin; brothers Ellis Rae (Dorothy) of Martin, Glen (Berdella) of Martin; sister Dorothy Bradford of Martin; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Roy and Dolores (Wordeman); sister and brother-in-law Inez (Gerald) Goodwin; brother and sister-in-law Donald (Rita); brother-in-law Dick Howe; and grandson Connor Sell.

Ross was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #240 and a member of St. Katharine's Episcopal Church.

A memorial has been established for the Bennett County Home Health and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service, PO Box 65 Martin, SD 57551.

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