Funeral services celebrating the life of Lorena Irene (Lorie Spence) Hicks, 62, of Newark, will be held at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, 11:00 A.M., Monday, October 15, 2018 with Rev. Joanna Samuelson as celebrant. Interment will follow in Wilson Cemetery.

Lorie, a member of the Baptist faith, died at the Selma Markowitz Care Center of Hospice of Central Ohio on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 after a valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends and many supporters carried her through these past 7 months of grueling chemotherapy.

Lorie was born in Newark on December 20, 1955 to Walter A. and Donna G. (Sayers) Spence Sr. currently of Newark. She was the 2 ^nd oldest of 4 brothers, George, Stephen, Wally Spence and Walter who passed away at birth.

Known for her ease in frequent conversations, contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor, Lorie maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy shown through her constant smiling, even through the last 7 months, laughter and joking around, will never be forgotten.

After graduating from Newark High School, Lorie went into the workforce and was a customer service representative where she met her sweetheart. Steven A. Hicks. The couple was married on December 9, 1986 at the First United Methodist Church in Catlettsburg, Kentucky.

Married for 32 years, Lorie and Steve raised 5 children, Tonya (Andrew) Combs, Joshua Hicks, Darcy Heller, Daphne (Christopher) Blankenship; and Anthony (Maria) Hicks; 11 grandchildren; Austin and Emily Combs, Braxton and Faith Hicks, Allison and Joseph Ruton, Tristan and Eric Blankenship, Casey Heller, and Jax and Kylie Moran; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call at the funeral home from 3-6 PM Sunday, October 14, 2018.

Donations in Lorie's name can be made to the funeral home in the form of flowers, or monetary to help with her memorial. Yet, beyond financial donations, Lorie always lived by the Golden Rule of treat others the way you would like to be treated. Do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug or say "I love you more" to a special friend in her memory.

To share your memory of Lorie or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.