Sublette – Dr. Gene Lois (Hefner) Hicks, 94, formerly of Sublette, died December 11, 2024 at her home in Des Moines, Iowa.  She was born on December 12, 1929 on the farm of her Hefner grandparents near Yates Center, Kansas the daughter of Calvin Quentin and Lola Susan (Cook) Hefner.

Her early childhood was spent in Yates Center.  She first attended a one room country school and later when the family moved to town, she attended school in Yates Center.  During her sophomore year in high school, the family moved to Sublette. She graduated valedictorian of her class. She was recognized by the Sublette High School with induction to the Wall of Honor for her lifetime achievements.

Gene married Jack Josserand and they had one daughter, Helen.  They later divorced.  Gene then married Arland Hicks on March 20, 1955. To this union three sons were born, James, Calvin, and Patrick.  With Arland's encouragement, Gene began to fulfill her desire to continue her education, obtaining her associates degree from Chanute Junior College, B.S. from Pittsburg State, and finally her M.S. and Ed.S from Emporia State University.  She went on to teach first grade in Thayer.  Gene then taught 6th grade in Topeka and was also a principal.  Her final degree was a doctorate in School Administration from Kansas State University.  She was employed at Madison, Kansas as the first female superintendent of a Kansas public school. Gene later went on to work for the Kansas Commission on Civil Right and the Kansas Department of Transportation until her retirement.

In her retirement, Gene learned the art of making porcelain dolls.  She also enjoyed traveling with Arland. Gene was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, a strong supporter of the Clinton Lake Historical society and Free State Constitution Hall Endowment Fund.

Gene is survived by her children, Helen Suzanne Josserand Hicks, James Franklin Hicks, Calvin Conrad Hicks, and Patrick Ray Hicks; and siblings, Vira Leona Pinello and Patricia Ann Scolfield. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arland Hicks, a brother, Calvin Quentin Hefner, II.

A private family service will take place at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the Clinton Lake Historical Society, Inc 876 E 1000 Rd Lawrence, KS 66047 or Free State Constitution Hall Endowment Fund-Topeka Community Foundation – 5431 SW 29th Street Suite 300 – Topeka, KS 66614. Arrangements are by Swaim Funeral Chapel of Sublette. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.