Lynette Hickman, 75, of Surprise, Arizona, formally of North Platte passed way Thursday, December 11 in Pheonix, Arizona with her kids by her side.  Lynette is leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and quiet acts of kindness that touched countless lives.

Lynette was born May 6, 1950, in Plainview, Nebraska to LeRoy "Pete" and Norman (Johnson) Pittack.  Lynette graduated from Plainview High School in 1968 and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in 1972 at Kearney State College.  There at college, she met her future husband, Jerry Hickman.  On June 17, 1972, they were united in marriage and began a lifelong partnership grounded in faith, humor, and devotion that endured for more than 40 years before Jerry's passing in 2013.

After moving to North Platte, Lynette opened her own daycare.  She later joined North Platte Public Schools, first serving as a substitute teacher and then as secretary at Osgood Elementary School.  Before retiring, she worked at the law office of Wayne E. Griffin for more than two decades.

Above all, Lynette was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.  She treasured her children-Shawn, Heather, and Justin-and found immense joy in her grandchildren: Alaina, Ryan, Mia and Kaleb.  Her family was her heart, and she expressed her love in countless thoughtful ways.  Lynette never missed a birthday, anniversary, or milestone, faithfully sending cards that made her loved ones feel remembered and celebrated.

Her passions reflected her creative and joyful spirit: sewing, scrapbooking, knitting, playing the piano, traveling, and gathering around a table to play cards with her friends and family.  She was also a proud and active member of Beta Sigma Phi in the chapter of Xi Alpha Sigma holding many titles such as treasurer, secretary and president.

Lynette's memory will be forever cherished by those who loved her.  As the family says goodbye, they hold the countless ways she made their lives brighter-through her creativity, her generosity, and her unwavering love.  Those left to cherish her memories are her sons, Shawn (Leanna) and Justin Hickman; and daughter Heather (Shane) Kirk.  Grandchildren; Alaina and Mia Hickman and Ryan and Kaleb Kirk. Sisters-in-law Kim Hickman and Connie Skarka, and brother-in-law Ron Skarka, nieces and nephews, aunt Sheralyn "Toots" Johnson, and many cousins.  Lynette is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, brother Jerry, parents, in laws Chester and Evelyn Hickman, brother-in-law Robert Hickman, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18 at 10:00 am at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Deardoff officiating.  Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Garden.  Visitation will be from Wednesday, December 17 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm with family present from 6:00 pm-8:00pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Online condolences and online streams can be found at carpentermemorial.com