ROCHELLE – Olive Hickerson, 97, of Rochelle, passed away Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 at her home, the same home where she was born. Olive was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Rochelle, the daughter of Ole and Katie (Meirath) Svela. She married Richard Hickerson on Feb. 7, 1942 in Brentwood, Mo.

Olive was a lifelong member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rochelle, where she was baptized and confirmed. She was a farmer’s daughter who later became a farmer’s wife. She did all of the bookkeeping for her husband. She raised chickens and sold eggs to the greater Rochelle community. Olive was very civic minded. For years, she worked as a candy striper for Rochelle Community Hospital and delivered for Meals on Wheels. She loved her family more than life itself and would do anything for them. She enjoyed all the family reunions through the years and visiting with extended family. Olive had the biggest heart of anyone you could meet, she was always giving to her community and anyone who happened to pass by the farm.

Olive is survived by two daughters, Carolyn (Jon) Bieck of Oregon and Joanne Coan of Rochelle; three grandchildren, Marilyn Bucher, Debra (Kim) Burkhart, and Stacy (Brian) Leifheit; two great-grandchildren, Meghan (Chad) Alles and Cierra McGinnis; and two great-great grandchildren, Charlotte and Amelia Alles.

In addition to her parents, Olive is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; two sons, David Hickerson and Roger (Virginia) Hickerson; and two sisters, Ruth and Grace.

Visitation was from 10 a.m. until noon on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave. in Rochelle. The funeral service followed the visitation at noon with Pastor Gregory Hoffmann officiating. Interment followed the service in Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. Contributions in Olive’s memory may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.