Eva L. Wickens

Eva Lorraine Wickens, 73, of Hilger, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at her home due to natural causes after a long and hard battle with cancer. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, Eva was known for her warm and caring spirit.

Born to Philip and Marie (Nielson) Barnes on July 1, 1949, in Billings, MT, Eva grew up in a close-knit family. Her father passed away when she was young, leaving her mother to raise four children. This early experience taught Eva the value of family, resourcefulness, resilience, business-mindedness, and drive. Throughout her life, Eva always prioritized her family and loved ones.

She graduated from Hysham High School in 1967 and continued her education at Eastern Montana College, graduating in 1971 with an Elementary Teaching Degree. Eva dedicated her early career to working as a flight attendant and an elementary teacher in schools across Billings, Hysham, and Winifred.

On September 2, 1972, Eva married her beloved husband, Michael Wickens, in Billings, MT. The couple shared a profound love and commitment to each other, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary before Eva's passing. Their journey together began in Havre before settling on the family ranch near Suffolk in 1979. As Mike worked away on construction projects, Eva wholeheartedly embraced ranch life, raising cows, horses, chickens, kittens, and dogs, all while providing unwavering support to her husband and family. Their bond only strengthened through the years, and they continued to be each other's rock, especially later in life.

Always a phone call away, Eva enjoyed long conversations with her loved ones. She had a taste for strong coffee, a rare whiskey ditch, and the occasional pool game (of which she was a little-known shark). Her love for her children and grandchildren was fierce, and she took great pride in keeping them well fed. Eva enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle, though it was difficult to play against her due to her polite demeanor when winning every game.

Eva is survived by her husband of 50 years, Mike; daughter Krista Wickens of Ogden, UT; son Travis (Randi) Wickens of Roberts, MT; daughter Kelly (Jay Dee) Wickens-Archer, of Ogden, UT; and son Doug (Tasha) Wickens of Billings, MT; sister Karen (Kenny) Rogers of Hysham, MT; brother Gary Barnes of Big Horn, MT; six grandchildren Coy, Corbin, Michael, Trask, Tylee, and Indy; as well as 29 well-loved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Philip and Marie Barnes, and her sister, Phyllis Barnes Lantis.

Private family services will be held at a later date, and cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make memorial donations to Hospice of Central Montana or the charity of their choice. Donations may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.

Eva's legacy of love, kindness, family, and dedication will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.