Judith "Judy" Carol Hicks, 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Great Falls, Montana. Her graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Geraldine Cemetery with Pastor Kit Miller officiating. A fellowship luncheon will be held at the First Christian Church in Fort Benton immediately after the graveside service. Memorial contributions in Judy's honor may be made to the First Christian Church P.O. Box 519, Fort Benton, MT 59442. Please visit Judy's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at www.bentonfh.com.

Judy was born November 7, 1943, in Streator, Illinois to Henry and Bonnie (Allen) Johnson. Judy was raised on a grain and dairy farm in central Illinois. Her family upbringing was in a Christian home where church and family relationships were an integral part of the family environment. She attended a one room school in Illinois and graduated from Woodland High School in 1961.  Judy went on to attend Lincoln Christian College graduating with her teaching degree. Teaching is what brought Judy to Montana. She taught in Glendive, Montana and then moved to Fort Benton, Montana where she taught Elementary School.

Judy met her husband of 54 years, Kenneth Hicks, on a blind date arranged by Walt and Karen Reid. They were married on October 11, 1969, in Streator, IL. The couple made their home on the farm at Montague and Square Butte. Judy enjoyed being outdoors, she tended a large vegetable garden every year and planted beautiful flower beds around her yard. She enjoyed walks along the river in Fort Benton and camping trips with Ken and the boys. Her other joys in life were playing the piano, singing at school and in church, cooking and baking especially at harvest when she packed meals out to the field. Judy and Ken were very active members at the First Christian Church, her family and church family members were very important to her. She read her bible daily. One of Judy's greatest joys later in life was when she was able to spend time with her great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth Hicks and sister Elsie Thorp.

Judy leaves behind two sons; Kevin and Allen (Dusti) Hicks. Five grandchildren, Keilidh (Carson) Derowin, Kendra, Kerrilyn and Kristen Hicks, and Andrew (Kimberly) Hicks; three great-grandchildren; Mikayla Derowin, Walker Hicks and Stetson Hicks; her sister Patricia (Vince) Marvic and twin brothers Allen (Linda), Arthur (Sandy) Johnson. Numerous nieces and nephews.