Karen E Hickman

Karen E. Hickman, 86, passed away early in the morning Thursday, July 9, 2026, at her home near Ririe. Karen was born March 9, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Arlo Mark Storer and Evelyn Farrer Storer. She had a twin brother, Ken, and two younger brothers, Rod and Dan. She grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. She attended Ricks College and played the clarinet in the marching band there. 

During her time at college, she was introduced to Clarence Hickman from Ririe, Idaho. On December 30, 1959, Clarence and Karen were married in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. They made Ririe, and the farm where Clarence had grown up, their home. They were seldom apart for the past 67 years, and she reminded everyone who visited, “We live in a beautiful place!” 

Karen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in the Church and was a blessing to many people. She especially enjoyed serving with the young women and remained lifelong friends with them. 

Karen loved music throughout her life. On a summer evening, when the windows in the house were open, and her children were outside doing chores, they could hear her joyfully playing her upright piano in the living room. She had a talent for making all kinds of crafts and enjoyed sharing what she made with others. After her children grew to adulthood, Karen pursued her education again and completed a degree in elementary education at Idaho State University. She taught at Archer Elementary for many years and loved her students. 

Later in life, Clarence and Karen served as temple ordinance workers, first in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, and then in the Rexburg Idaho Temple. They have counted those years as some of the best in their life together. We are grateful for Karen being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. 

Karen is survived by her husband, Clarence Hickman of Ririe; son Steven (Cindy) Hickman of Ririe; son, Randy (Tami) Hickman of Pingree; daughter, Tammy (Harold) Rose of Ririe; brother Rod of Idaho Falls; 10 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, July 15, at the Ririe Idaho Stake Center, 14061 130th Rd E, Ririe, Idaho. The family will visit with friends Tuesday, July 14, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and Wednesday, July 15, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Ririe Idaho Stake Center. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.