Diane Lee Hickey, age 85 of Highland, IL, died Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her home in Highland, IL.
She was born March 6, 1939, in Covington, KY, to Elmer Spencer Swarthout and Sarah “Sally” May (Moon) Swarthout.
Diane lived with her parents until after her mother passed in 1942. She and her sister Sally lived with their Grandmother and Aunt Mary Swarthout while her father Elmer served in WWII. Elmer married Blanch Orcutt, and the family, with the addition of their brother Jim, resided in Crescent Springs, KY. Diane graduated from Dixie Heights High School.
After graduation, she began working for Citizens Telephone Company. Within two years she had been promoted and received an award for selling the most “Princess Phones” – there were 2 color choices.
On April 22, 1961, she married Larry Hickey at Crescent Springs Presbyterian Church. She left work to raise her two children – David and Janet. Larry’s career as an airline pilot took the family to Florissant, Missouri in 1964, and they relocated to Highland in 1972.
Diane was active in Elementary School events and a member of Florissant Presbyterian Church.
After moving to Highland, the family joined the Evangelical United Church of Christ. She served as a member of the Consistory, Treasurer and twice as the President of the Women’s Guild. She served on the Board of Faith Countryside Homes and as its President. She participated in the Women’s Guild, The Quilters and many other church activities. Diane enjoyed taking quilting tours, genealogy research and time with family.
Diane worked as a Realtor for Brown Realty, and then as a Real Estate Broker for Brown Realty/Coldwell Banker in Highland, IL.
Survivors include:
- Son- David B. (Anne M.) Hickey, Highland, IL
- Daughter – Janet L. (Dr. David) Nyquist, Highland, IL
- Sister – Sally (Don) Wolf, Paxton, IL
- Brother – James (Melanie) Swarthout, Franklin, TN
- Brother-in-Law – Gary D. (Debbie) Johnson, Renton, WA
- Sister-in-Law – Loretta Ellis, Harrodsburg, KY
- Granddaughter-Sarah (Simon) Menz
- Granddaughter-Olivia (Timothy) Coughlin
- Granddaughter-Sydney Nyquist
- Granddaughter-Emerson “Emmy” Nyquist
- Grandson-Thomas Nyquist
- Grandson-John Nyquist
- Nieces and Nephews
She was preceded in death by:
- Mother – Sarah “Sally” May (Moon) Swarthout died 12/12/1942
- Father – Elmer Spencer Swarthout died 8/10/2003
- Stepmother – Blanch E. Swarthout died 3/12/1985
- Husband – Larry B. Hickey died 8/16/2014
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, Pastor.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to EvUCC or Highland Food Pantry.
