Tribute to Janie (Stull) Hickman -- 1919 - 2015

     There are certain people that add their own special ingredient to our lives.  You know the ones.  They have a lasting smile that reflects in their eyes.  They have a quiet strength, so that you know you can always count on them.  And their sense of humor is ready to bubble up at any time.  These are among the qualities that I would list as Janie Hickman's.    I can see her now helping me fill in the blanks in our Niehaus family history.  Any time she could name the people in an old photo or provide details of a family story, she'd sit down and chat.  I even interviewed her a few years ago from Arizona during the winter so that I could complete a story for our newsletter.  Above all, she had a caring nature.  I know that my dad was happy to have her as a cousin and so am I.
     Janie left this world on February 11.  My condolences to her children, grandchildren and all who cared for her.  I feel sure there's a card game in heaven with a seat open for her.  May she rest in peace.

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Obituary published on indystar.com, 2/13/15:
Jane G. Hickman, age 95, a life-long resident of Indianapolis, died February 11, 2015, peacefully with her loved ones by her side. She was born on August 19, 1919, to Albert and Josephine Niehaus (Van Benthuysen) Stull. She attended Bluff Avenue Grade School and was a 1937 graduate of Southport High School. She was married to Gilbert L. Hickman, Sr. for 34 years until his death in 1976. Jane and Gilbert were parents to four children, Gilbert "Gib" L. Hickman (Tina), Trudy Harbison (William), Jacksonville, FL, Elizabeth "Libbe" O'Connor (Kieran), and Mary Graham (deceased).
Jane worked at Bluff Avenue Elementary School and retired from J C Penny as well as Indiana Heart Physicians, but managed to dedicate her time to volunteer at St. Francis Hospital off and on for over a period of 30 years. She loved to be involved where she could in making others lives a little bit easier and all the while making life-long friendships along the way.
Jane's life was centered around her love of Jesus and her love for her family. She was known for her great hugs and sense of humor. She was blessed to have eight grandchildren: Ann McDavitt, Mahomet, IL, Chris O'Connor (Cindy), Nathanial Grow (Peggy), Jasper, IN, Jill Hickman, Heather Harbison, Charlotte, NC, Darby O'Connor (Dana), Brooke Graham, and Kelley Hastings (Eddie), Jacksonville, FL. Great grandchildren include Ryan McDavitt, Olivia McDavitt, Kellen McDavitt, Mary McDavitt, Shalyn Grow, Gabriel Grow, Emma Grow, Lydia Grow, Darrick Teague, Jr., Holly Dray, Fairbanks, AK., Chloe O'Connor, Addie O'Connor, Caleb O'Connor, Alice O'Connor, Henry O'Connor, Ethan O'Connor, Will Hastings, Wyatt Hastings, Declan O'Connor, and Daelyn O'Connor. Her great-great grandchildren are Remi, Mossy, Kimber, and Steele Dray.
She continued throughout her life to spread as much love as she could to those whom she met...always for the underdog and always trying to be kind and giving, even at the end of her life. She was thoughtful of others, usually before herself, and had a sensitivity for trying to understand others and their problems. She had many trials in her long life, but managed somehow to stand up to them, being an example to others of her strength, her faith, and her will.
Those family and friends that she leaves behind will never forget her as her legacy of love will live on in all who were blessed to have known her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 6801 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to G. H. Herrmann Madison Avenue Funeral Home.
Jane will be laid to rest in Washington Park East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to One Body Ministries, Inc., 3132 Carson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Online condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.ghherrmann.com.

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Janie is pictured in the above photos as follows:

-- with two of her children, Libbe and Gib, at the 2013 Niehaus family reunion. 

-- with her husband, Gilbert L. Hickman, Sr., Kemo.

-- with her cousin, Norris Niehaus, at the 2005 Niehaus family reunion.

You are more than welcome to leave your thoughts about Jane Hickman as a comment below. Thanks for visiting Indiana Ties. 

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