ELKHART — Gloria Jean Hickman, 74, of Elkhart, passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 18, at her home with her family by her side following an extended illness.

Born in Melbourne, Fla., on Dec. 1, 1939, to the late Burton G. and Marion (Cataldo) Robinson, she is survived by her husband, Ronald E. Hickman Sr., whom she married Jan. 23, 1960.

Also surviving are her children, Nina (David) Mark, Stephanie (Mike Weingart) Hickman, Ronald (Gaylene Sonnenberg) Hickman Jr. and Jody (Marie Taylor) Hickman, all of Elkhart; brothers Burton "Gary" Jr.(Sherri) Robinson and Rick (Joy) Robinson, both of Elkhart, and Steven (Jill) Robinson of Granger; grandchildren Ann Baughman, Travis Denny, Ron Charles, Staj Hickman, Rachelle (Justin) Elliott, Alyssa Jewel, Alec Mark and Rex Hickman; and great-grandchildren Talia, Marlon and Dominic Padilla.

Gloria worked at Selmer in Elkhart for over nine years. She was a brain aneurism survivor for 30 years and a cancer survivor for nearly 15 years. She enjoyed playing games and cards and having dinner with her family. She will be best remembered as a loving wife and caring mother who always placed her family's needs before her own.

A celebration of Gloria's life will take place at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with visitation at 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. Pastor Lewis J. Clifton of Calvary Assembly of God will officiate. Burial will take place in Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend following the services.

Memorial donations may be given to Harbor Light Hospice or to the charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

---