Obituary of Diane M. Hicks

Little Genesee, NY Diane M. Hicks, 68, of Little Genesee, NY, passed away on July 20, 2024. Born on February 20, 1956, in Jamestown, Diane was the cherished daughter of Michael and Audrey White Emules. She married the love of her life, Joseph “Joe” H. Hicks, Jr., on December 23, 1997, who predeceased her on February 21, 2014. Diane's journey began at Maple Grove High School in Jamestown, after which she embarked on a varied career. She worked at Petri’s Cookies and Red Wing Co. in Dunkirk, but found her true calling as a bus driver for Laidlaw Bus Transportation in Chautauqua County. She thrived in this role until her well-deserved retirement. Her adventurous spirit took her to Florida and Virginia, where she lived and worked before settling in Little Genesee around 2000. Diane's retirement was filled with joy and relaxation. She loved playing darts, singing karaoke, and she loved to go to Randy’s On The River any chance she had. She was a devoted pet lover, especially to her dogs. Her heart swelled with happiness during family gatherings for barbecues, bonfires, and picnics. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every moment with them she was super excited about meeting her soon to be great grandson Asher Thomas Silliman. Diane is survived by her seven children: JoAnna Holland of Jamestown, Robert (Alisha) Holland of Smithfield, NC, Michelle (Carl) Papp of Iron River, MI, Audrey (Zane) Mayes of Luray, VA, Hillary (Todd) Hohnsbehn of Aberdeen, NC, James Brink of Jamestown, and Marcus Waite of Jamestown. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, two brothers, David (Cheryl) Emules of Clearfield, FL, and Duane (Emily) Baker of Jamestown, one sister, Karen Austin of Jamestown, a brother-in-law, Joseph Walz of Jamestown, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws. In addition to her husband Joseph and her parents, Diane was predeceased by her son Timothy Holland in 1972, her sisters Susan Gard in 1994 and Kathleen Walz in 2020, her brother James Baker in 2022, her special Mom Beatrice Emules, and her husband’s parents Joseph and Shirley Hicks. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Diane's life at a visitation on Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A funeral service will follow the visitation from 12 PM to 1 PM, officiated by Evelyn Kovacs. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 1644 Olean-Hinsdale Rd., Olean, NY 14760, reflecting Diane's love for animals and her generous spirit. There will be a celebration of life following the service on Thursday, July 25th, at Gargoyle Park, located at 101 Gargoyle Rd, Olean, NY 14760.