Verna Louise (Gutridge) Hickman

Verna Louise (Gutridge) Hickman, age 93, of Newark, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at The Inn at Chapel Grove. She was born on the Gutridge family farm in Gratiot, Ohio on January 23, 1932, to the late Frank and Gussie (Drumm) Gutridge.

She is survived by her children, Michael Hickman, Carmen Martin, Denise Wheeler, Lori Hickman, and Brad (Joyce) Hickman; siblings, Ruth Ann Church, Gilbert Gutridge, and Joseph (Barbara) Gutridge; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bernard Hickman; siblings, Betty Bartlett, and four brothers: Vern, Verl, David and Charles Gutridge.

She married Bernard Hickman right out of high school, and while he served in the United States Navy she worked at the Heisey Glass Company and then became a homemaker raising their five children. When the children were grown, she worked at Licking Memorial Hospital as an Aid until she retired.

Visitation will take place from 11 am -1 pm Monday, May 19, 2025, with a 1 pm funeral service at Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N 21st, St. Newark, Ohio 43055. A graveside service at Spring Grove Cemetery will take place immediately following the funeral service, with Pastor Dave Duff officiating.

To sign an online guest book, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.