The Memorial service for Carla Kay Hicks will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, at Autumn Ridge Church with Pastor Dan Farm officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, and also 30 minutes prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Carla K. Hicks, 50, of Rochester, MN, died Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Seasons Hospice. In a display of remarkable strength and courage in her long battle with cancer, Carla was determined to reach her 50th birthday (May 2 ^nd ) and to see her son graduate from Loyola University in Chicago (May 10 ^th ). After reaching both of these goals, she went on to her eternal reward on Mother's Day.

Carla's family wishes to express their gratitude for the amazing outpouring of support, care, vigils, and compassion from Carla's nieces, Stacy and Lori, and from her vast and loving network of friends. You know who you are, and you are all deeply appreciated.

Carla was a beloved mother, sister, and friend to much of the community. She was born on May 2, 1963, to Donald and Doris Hicks. She grew up and lived her entire life in Rochester. Along with many years spent in childcare, she was employed as the desk supervisor at the Rochester Athletic Club, where her smile and greetings warmed the lives of countless Rochester residents.

Carla is survived by one son, Jordan Matthew Hicks of Rochester; three sisters, Sue Hicks, of Rochester, MN; Joyce (Dean) Fischer of New Ulm, MN; and Mary (Gary) Ward of Rochester, MN; a sister-in-law, Julie Hicks of Rochester, MN; an uncle, Richard Hicks of Duluth, MN; and an aunt, Barbara Maxwell of Mesquite, NV. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald (Jack) and Doris Hicks; sister, Shari Hicks; and brother, Jerry (Ducky) Hicks.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com