Janet Belle Hicks

Janet Belle Hicks, age 87, of Norris, S.D., died Dec. 18, 2015, at the White River Health Care Center in White River.

Janet Belle Tarr was born Nov. 28, 1928, at Colome, S.D., the daughter of Otis and Hazel (Hougham) Tarr. 

She grew up on a farm-ranch six miles southeast of Norris, and attended Kaufman rural school, and later Todd County High School, graduating in 1947. She then attended Springfield Teachers’ College where she earned her teacher’s certificate. She taught at Patricia School northeast of Martin where she met Leonard.

Janet Belle was united in marriage to Leonard Andrew Hicks on June 1, 1948, in Martin. They made their home in Martin until the summer of 1952, when they moved to her parents’ farm-ranch southeast of Norris. They continued to live and work on that ranch their entire married life. Leonard preceded her in death on Dec. 30, 2009.

In the summer of 2012, Janet Belle moved to the Golden Prairie Manor Assisted Living Center in Winner, where she resided until moving into the Winner Nursing Home in July 2014. In December of 2014, she moved to the White River Nursing Home, where she has since resided.

She was on the Norris Township Election Board for many years. 

Janet Belle was a fabulous cook and was known for her fried chicken and milk toast.

Survivors include one son, Jerry Hicks (Nancy), Norris; four daughters, Carol Ann Gibson (Bernard), Box Elder, Cheryl Paul (Rod), Miller, Darlene Layh (Glenn), Winner, and JoAnn Goodman, Rapid City; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, Lance Gibson, Matt (Alice) Gibson and their children, Darrian and Jaden; Stacey (Jay) Coughlin and her children, Anika, Carrington and Emmerson Alfson; Marc (Madonna) Paul and their children, Addison and Hayley; Clint Paul and special friend, Ericca, and her daughter, Avaya; Tyler (Desiree) Layh and their daughter, Charlotte; Trevor (Haley) Layh; Amber Hicks and her children, Coral Baglien, Celeste Hicks and Anthony and Khloe Hickey; Trisha Goodman; and Kelby and Keegan Hicks; two sisters, Peggy Graciano of Washington and Rosetta Thompson of Montana; one brother-in-law, Bud Hicks, Martin; two sisters-in-law, Doris Hicks, Martin, and Luella Hicks, Buffalo Gap; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Leonard, Janet Belle was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Leonard, Otis Jr., Lyle and Leo; one sister, Lucille; a grandson, Shayne Gibson; and a great-granddaughter, Kennedy Alfson.

Services were held Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at the Norris Bible Church in Norris with Pastor Don Letellier officiating.

Interment will be at the Norris Cemetery in Norris.

Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.