Laurel Hicks

Laurel Klump Hicks, 83, passed away November 5, 2024. She was born in Bad Axe, Michigan September 23, 1941 to Lawrence and Elizabeth (Golding) Schelke. Laurel graduated from Bad Axe High School, received her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, and her master’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. She began her teaching career at Detroit Public Schools and continued in Clawson before moving to Harbor Beach with her husband, Bill, as he took over as pharmacist at Klump Drug. She spent some years raising her two kids and volunteering for many organizations while she and Bill remodeled an old house that she turned into a home for her family. She returned to teaching at Our Lady of Lake Huron School before becoming a principal and serving in that role at Port Hope Schools and Green Elementary in Bad Axe before she retired. Laurel was a girl before her time. She was a high school cheerleader and played percussion in the marching band. She would have loved to play girls’ sports. However, she grew up in a time when girls did not have that opportunity. Not being one to let anything stop her, she would often join the boys in after school pick up games. She instilled that attitude of going after what you want in her family, friends, and students. She loved to dance with the waltz being her favorite. She was a fierce bridge player and enjoyed the time she spent playing her favorite card game with her dear friends. She was quick-witted and hilarious. She loved a good joke and had an unmatched sense of humor. She moved back to her hometown of Bad Axe with her second husband and high school sweetheart, Jim Hicks. Together they remodeled an old house and filled it with a combination of beautiful antique and modern furniture that she skillfully refinished herself. She and Jim opened a restaurant, coffee shop, and gift shop in downtown Bad Axe and worked side by side until they retired. Laurel’s greatest strength was the love and support she gave to her family. She left this world a better place with those around her knowing they were valued. She was quick to offer support, knew when to listen, and when to offer wise advice. She welcomed all into her home with kindness. The importance of family was evident as she assumed the role of gathering family making holidays magical for not only her immediate family but also her siblings, nieces, and nephews. She held nothing back, dressing up as every year to hand out candy for Halloween and putting up Christmas decorations that rivaled any Hallmark movie. To those that knew her, she was a perfect role model of a loving wife, supportive mom, caring sister, encouraging aunt, and loyal friend. The lessons she taught and the values she exemplified will live on in those she impacted. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 27 years, Jim, her daughter Sarah (Scott) Johnson, her son Edward (Jennifer) Klump, and her granddaughters Kaylee Johnson, Grace Klump, and Paige Johnson. Stepsons James (Mercy) Lashua, Jeff (Liz) Lashua, stepdaughter Jessica Hicks, step-grandsons Ian Hicks, Martin and Thomas Lashua. She left countless memories of laughter and love which will be cherished by her siblings E. Lea Schelke, Ann Schelke, Jill (Mike) Terrill, Jack (Phyllis) Schelke, Don (Tamie) Schelke, Richard (Guylynn) Schelke, and sister-in-law Darlene Schelke, and many nieces and nephews. Laurel was preceded in death by her first husband, William “Bill” Klump to whom she was married for 25 years, brother Larry Schelke, and in-laws Arthur Tank, Gloria Schelke, and Genevieve Todd. Laurel requested that anyone wishing to offer a memorial please consider one of these groups that played important roles in her life and to whom she was always grateful. Bad Axe Rotary who granted her a scholarship when she graduated high school. Our Lady of Lake Huron School where she had many happy years in the classroom. Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, as there is no longer a school in Port Hope, where she proudly held the title of Principal. Church of the Nazarene in Bad Axe where she recently found a church home with a welcoming church community and sense of belonging. Funeral service, visitation, and burial will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024. Visitation will occur from 9-11 AM with service beginning at 11 AM at Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach followed by burial at Rock Falls Cemetery. Memories can be shared at www.RamseyFH.com

Laurel Hicks

September 23, 1941 - November 5, 2024