Debbie Evelyn Hicks

Debbie Evelyn Hicks (DeGrow), 53, of Franklin, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Ross Heart Hospital at The Ohio State University due to complications caused by covid. Debbie was born on May 22, 1968 in Highland Park, Michigan to James Garvin DeGrow and Dollie Aqwa DeGrow. Debbie is survived by her parents, Husband and Lover Thomas Evan Hicks (married October 8, 2016), her children MiMi DeGrow and Thaddeus A. Weidle, her son-in-law Matthew C. Combs, her grandson Zion M. Combs, her sisters Darlene Curtis, Dana DeZarn, Brenda Hicks, and Tracey Hicks, her brothers Greg Curtis, Mark DeZarn, David Hicks, and William Hicks, her nieces and nephews Justin Curtis, Candice Curtis, Zoey Curtis, Nicholas Curtis, Garrett Curtis, Jaxon Curtis, Alex DeZarn, Max DeZarn, Jennifer Hicks, Landon T. Hicks, Emily Ballein, Dylan Ballein, Emma Hicks, and Andrew Hicks, hundreds of friends near and far, and numerous cats, all of whom she loved dearly.

Debbie was most proud of her family and friends, her gardening and other horticulture activities, and her cat rescue. Debbie loved the world and every living thing in it. Every person or animal who had the pleasure to meet her loved her back. She always took the time to make everyone feel special. Debbie loved holidays and birthdays. She loved to celebrate.
Debbie was president of Hicks Ranch, LLC, and the kayaking club Friends United Canoeing Kayaking Enjoying Rivers & Streams. (“Five more miles!”) Debbie loved cooking with her crops, listening to rock music, and spending time on Twin Creek at her ranch. She was an inspirational presence on social media, including to those who never met her in person. Debbie’s laughter could light up a room and her kindness was immeasurable. Debbie always found the beauty and humor in every situation and helped others do the same.

Although Debbie was always positive and selfless, she endured many hardships during her short life. Debbie survived Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1985), breast cancer (2006), and heart failure (2007). Debbie was the recipient of a donor heart in June 2021, for which she was very proud and grateful to her donor. Debbie did not complain or feel sorry for herself, instead she used her hardships to educate and support others who endured the same.

“Lay your bed where the cat sleeps. Eat the fruit that has been touched by a worm. Boldly pick the mushroom on which the insects sit. Plant the tree where the mole digs. Build your house where the snake sits to warm itself. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time with the birds. Eat more green – you will have strong legs and a resistant heart, like the beings of the forest. Swim often and you will feel on earth like the fish in the water. Look at the sky as often as possible and your thoughts will become light and clear. And your spirit will be calm and full of peace.”

Private services will be held in January. Later this year a Celebration of Life party will be held for all to attend. It was Debbie’s wish to be cremated and returned to the earth. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Debbie’s name to United Pet Fund, TT Medical Fund, 9401 Towne Square Ave., Blue Ash, Ohio 45242 or your local no kill shelter.