LaRae Hicks Obituary (1944 - 2026)

South Jordan, UT - LaRae, our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on June 22, 2026, after enduring health illnesses for many years. Her final days were spent in her home in South Jordan, surrounded by the love and care of her husband Dennis and family members. Born on February 9, 1944 in the family home in Emery, Utah, she was the youngest of six children born to Quince and Odessa (Petty) Jolley. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Salina, Utah, where she was raised and graduated from North Sevier High School with the Class of 1962. LaRae was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After graduating from high school, LaRae moved to Salt Lake City with her sister Shirley where she met and married Stephen Davis. They had two sons, Mark and Greg. They later divorced. Married to Dennis Hicks in 1981, LaRae and Dennis spent over 45 years together. They enjoyed Utah football, golfing, and memorable times with lifelong friends. Dennis’ career took them from Murray, Utah to Nashville, Tennessee and then to South Lake, Texas. Their time in Texas was especially meaningful, as they formed lasting friendships within their community and through their membership at Trophy Club Country Club. They returned to Utah in 2017, settling in South Jordan to be closer to family. LaRae worked as a real estate appraiser and pursued many hobbies throughout her life, excelling at knitting, bowling, golf, and painting. Of all her hobbies, golf and painting were her greatest passions. She was an accomplished golfer and even appeared on the Golf Channel in 2006 while living in Texas. She served as president of Trophy Club’s women’s association and achieved the remarkable accomplishment of four hole-in-ones. She also volunteered with hospice in Texas, providing comfort and companionship to patients in her community. Painting until the final months of her life, she created works of art that now adorn the walls of family members’ homes and her many friends. Although she was often asked to sell her paintings, she graciously declined, preferring instead to give them as gifts to those who appreciated them. LaRae cared deeply for her family and took great pride in their accomplishments. During the last several years in Utah, she happily welcomed several great-grandchildren into the family and loved spending time with them: afternoons at the swimming pool, Halloween celebrations in the neighborhood, Sunday dinners, and many memorable holidays together. She also loved spending time with Dennis in St. George. We will deeply miss her and will always cherish the memories she created and the little things that will always remind us of her—fresh oranges, popcorn, Diet Coke, ice cream cones, and sunflowers, her favorite flower to paint. LaRae is survived by her husband, Dennis Hicks; children, Mark (Natalie) Davis, Greg (Julie) Davis, Dennis’ son Zachary (Emily) Hicks; grandchildren Connor (Karen) Davis, Alyson (Ben) DeMordant, Spencer (Leah) Davis, Hannah (KJ) Tua’One, Myra Hicks, Lottie Hicks, Tess Hicks and ten great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Quince and Odessa Jolley, and her siblings, Max, Quince, Shirley, Dee Wayne, and Sandra. In accordance with LaRae’s wishes, a private family celebration of life will be held to remember and cherish lovely LaRae.