Dr. Stacy Noel Hicks

Stacy was born on July 12th 1979, in Seattle, WA to Dawn Marie (Rene’) Hicks, of Olympia, WA, and Michael Hicks of Gardnerville NV. She passed away on November 14th 2025 in Olympia. She was 46 years old. A memorial service has been planned for December 2nd, from 4pm to 8pm at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501-1330.

Stacy is survived by; her son, Caine A. Pickett, and partner, Matt Wohletz, both of Olympia, a sister, Keri M. Hicks and a niece and nephew all of Seattle, her parents, a large extended family and so many friends.

Stacy had lived in Olympia for the last 10 years. She grew up in Allyn, Mason County, WA, and also lived for many years at the Strawberry Lodge in El Dorado County, CA.

Stacy proudly held many degrees: an Associate of Arts (AA) from Olympic College in Bremerton, WA; a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA; a Master of Fine Arts (MFA), from Seattle University in Seattle, WA; and finally, a Doctor of Education, (Ed.D.), in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership, also from Seattle University.

Stacy was a passionate supporter of the arts, serving as a community arts advocate through volunteering or working for arts and nonprofit service organizations, such as the City of Olympia Arts Commission and Heritage Commission, Samish Island Arts Retreat, Camp Kluane and Mungai, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts (WCPA), Tacoma Art Museum, Olympia Film Society, the Washington State Arts Commission (Arts WA), United Way of Thurston County and Sound Legal Aid. She loved her work.

Stacy was recognized in 2018, in Olympia, as a South Sound Exceptional Woman. Stacy was also an accomplished amateur photographer, who was most happy when wandering around taking pictures with her trusty Nikon camera, and has shown her work in solo and group shows in and around Thurston County, as well as taking many family photographs. She cherishes her many amazing friendships with more than a few of them stretching over 20 years. She has always been a big fan of reading and learning, exploring State and National Parks (and all the places in between), Converse sneakers, music in all its forms (Foo Fighters to Elvis to Bob Marley to Queen to Chris Stapleton), and started off each day with a coffee. She also enjoyed discovering family history with her sister. In 2020, Stacy met Matt and they happily began building a life focused on adventures with their many close friends and family, traveling, and growing together. Matt and Stacy have been to see the Minnesota Twins play the Seattle Mariners every year since they started dating. Of all her accomplishments, nothing made her prouder than her son, Caine, living his life and laughing with her daily.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, for her love of the Arts, or Sound Legal Aide to continue to help her in supporting others.

https://www.spsgives.org/organization/Washington-Center-For-The-Performing-Arts

https://soundlegalaid.org/get-involved/donate/