Garfield – Maxine M. Hickman, 94, left this earth August 6, 2026, at Clara Barton Hospital, Hoisington, Kansas, joining her late husband of 60 years. She was surrounded by her family.

Maxine was born Mildred Maxine Lackey May 17, 1932, in Norfork, Arkansas, the daughter of John and Cora Dickerson Lackey.

On December 8, 1951, she married Leroy T. Hickman in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on November 24, 2011.

A longtime area resident, she was a cook at Gleason Hospital, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, and the Larned State Hospital Canteen. A member of the Garfield United Methodist Church, her faith was central, and in 2019—at the age of 87—she was baptized as an adult, reaffirming the baptism she received as a baby.

Maxine loved her family more than anything and built a life rooted in devotion, quiet strength, and the comforts of home. After moving from Mountain Home, Arkansas to Garfield, Kansas, in 1954 for better opportunities, she embraced her role as a housewife and mother, keeping a home known for its immaculate care. During her 55+ years in Garfield, she was always present for any grandchild needing a place to eat, sleep, or play. She loved music, especially listening to the country bands Leroy and their sons played in. Maxine was an avid reader of historical fiction and nonfiction, enjoyed embroidery, and a collector of plants, catalogs, and magnets. She delighted in feeding birds and squirrels, attending her grandchildren’s events, and simply having her family close. Maxine created a home filled with comfort, care, and unwavering love.

Survivors include: two sons, Kenneth (Lisa) Hickman and Gerald (Gina) Hickman, all of Great Bend; six grandchildren, Michael Hickman, Krystal (Ed Uecker) Hickman, Joshua (Heather) Hickman, Megan (Justin) Barfield, Ashley (Chris Carlson) Hickman, Lexie (Derik) Schneider; fourteen great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and several bonus grandchildren that she loved as her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; five brothers; three sisters; and a daughter-in-law.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2026, at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with Kimberly Becker and Christopher Carlson presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Garfield Cemetery, Garfield, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Meals on Wheels of Barton County in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.