Vanita "Sue" Hicks (Klotz)
October 27, 1932 – August 8, 2024

I think this was put together by Kellyn Haley, daughter of Harris's sister Linda and her husband John. In their traveling days, Vanita and Harris often took cruises where Kellyn was part of the ship's band. I've added a few names from the Klotz side and some photos.

Vanita "Sue" Hicks, a cherished wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Born on October 27, 1932, in Plainfield, New Jersey, she was a beloved member of her family and community who touched many lives with her warmth and enthusiasm.

Vanita was preceded in death by her father, Carl Fritz Klotz; mother, Vanita Zimmerman; stepmother, Edith Dean; brothers, Carl Hugo and Harold Allen; as well as her brother-in-law Ray Hosford and sister-in-law Linda Haley.

She is survived by her dedicated husband, Harris Hicks Jr.; her sister-in-law Phyllis Hosford; brother-in-law John Haley; her nieces Jill, Marti, Carol, Jackie, and Kellyn; her nephews Jeff and Brian; and her great-nieces and great-nephews Karen, Diane, Kathleen, Carlie, Allison, Gerard, Patrick, Torey, Rob, and Jeff.

In her early years, the family called Vanita "Sister" to distinguish her from her mother. After her mother's passing and her father's remarriage, her stepmother Edith felt that she deserved a name reflecting her role beyond a sibling, and thus "Sue" was born. The association strengthened in high school where Vanita played the sousaphone in the band and thus became "Susie Sousaphone."

Susie Sousaphone, 1947

Vanita's life was marked by an array of passions and accomplishments. As an active Girl Scout and a proud sousaphone player, she had a spirited approach to life from a young age.

Girl Scout camp. Nita (back row, left) is Vanita/Sue

After visiting the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, Sue began life in Portland going by her birth name, Vanita. A highlight of Vanita's life was her meeting with Harris Hicks Jr. at church, leading to their marriage on February 26, 1966. ​

Vanita and Harris at their wedding, First Presbyterian Church, Portland, Oregon, February 26, 1966.

She was known for her deep love of genealogy, meticulously researching the Hicks family lineage back to the 1400s, as well as the Klotz lineage. Her fascination with German culture led her to write letters to family in Switzerland in their native language.

Vanita's love for reading, especially mysteries, was well known, and she cherished participating in book exchanges. Her creative side flourished through fiber arts, including weaving, knitting, and cross-stitch. Her travels took her around the globe, from cruising the world's oceans to swimming in Antarctica and embarking on memorable road trips to national parks, with Yellowstone holding a special place in her heart.

Vanita is fondly remembered for her exceptional thoughtfulness, always keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries, and her love of sending postcards, cartoons, and jokes. Her legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and a profound love for her family.

Vanita will be dearly missed but remembered with love and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

On April 29, 1996, Harris and Vanita renewed their wedding vows on a cruise through the Panama Canal aboard the MS Westerdam.

Vanita and Harris in front of her wall of embroidery and other treasures.