Candace M Hicks, age 40, was born in Troy Ohio, to Howard R. and Cheryl (Avey) Hicks, and passed away peacefully, on Sunday, March 29th, in hospice care, after a lengthy illness. She is preceded in death by her son Lawrence Wilt, father Howard, Aunt Colleen Walton (Bennington, IN), Aunt Deborah Falin (Clarksville, TN), Uncle Danny Hicks (Paoli, IN), Grandparents Charles and Sharon Avey of Tipp City, and Grandparents Rev. Howard and Essie Lee Hicks of Dry Ridge, KY, and Great grandparents Gordon and Edna Elkins, of Tipp City. She is survived by her mother Cheryl of Tipp City, sister and brother in law Angie (Avey) and Kyle Gnagy, and their children (her nieces) of Powell, Ohio, and also, by her beloved children. She is survived as well, by several aunts, uncles, and cousins locally. Lastly, she is survived by her fiance Michael Laub of Covington whom she met later in life, but by whom she found safety and a home together with, and her step children whom she loved as her own.

Candace attended both MVCTC and Tippecanoe HS. She loved animals and was a veterinary tech by trade. She couldn't let any strays she met go hungry, or homeless. Close friends would say the same of people in her circle.

She was an example to others, who watched her struggle in life's most challenging times. She experienced profound grief with death and loss of loved ones, and mental and physical health difficulties, but she showed bravery and determination, particularly toward the end of her life and illness. She found solace in reconnection with friends and family, meditation as medicine for the soul, and making the most of each day with positive thinking

Raised in the Christian faith, she knew Jesus at a young age, and the family takes comfort knowing she's reunited with those who've gone before, and they'll get to see her again, one day, too.

A celebration of life for close family and friends will occur at a later time.

Candace donated her body to science, at Wright State University, and they will have a ceremony to honor their donors, at a later date. Those wishing to contribute to her memory, in lieu of flowers, may make donations in her name to Ohio Hospice or Dayton Hospice.