Farley Hicks, 72

In loving memory of Farley Hicks.

Farley was born to Evelyn and Donald Hicks in Lewistown, Montana, and lived there with his sisters Ginger, Dona, and Karen for a short time before moving to Billings, where his brother Kerry and sisters Janet (Jan) and Zelda were born. Farley's life was shaped by humble beginnings; being raised by a single parent in a family that struggled but always had each other.

In his youth, Farley loved muscle cars, music, and spending time with his rowdy friends. He trained as a diesel mechanic and joined the Army Reserve. He married his first wife, Diane Kruse, and they had two daughters, Dana Hicks Breyer (Eric) and Brandy Hicks Wood (Brandon).

Farley met, and later married, Linda Crane Clark and added two daughters, Michelle Clark Figurelli (Joseph) and Suzanne Clark Berkey (Jeff), to his family. Both families moved to Sheridan, Montana, where Farley and Linda ran the Ruby Hotel and Sump Saloon. His mining career with Barrick Goldstrike Mine in Round Mountain, and later Elko, Nevada, included roles as a diesel mechanic, fleet manager, and international equipment procurement manager. He continued working in asset recovery after retiring, as the owner of Ruby Mountain Marketing Services.

Farley and Linda each had six siblings, resulting in an extensive family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family looked up to him, loved and respected him, and enjoyed his sense of humor (most of the time). His grandchildren, Cody Clark, Joseph, Nicholas, and Isabella Figurelli; Ethan, Jakob, Sean, and Rhys Breyer; and Andrew and Aaron Wood are his legacy. His face lit up with pride and joy when he talked about their accomplishments and antics.

Farley had a wide circle of friends who felt privileged to be part of his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and both he and Linda devoted many hours to the Mule Deer Foundation, the Blacktail Deer Foundation, and the Jefferson Watershed Foundation. He found joy in helping others experience hunting through the Hunters' Access Program on the Matador Ranch in Dillon, Montana. Although Farley felt closest to God in nature, he found a church home at the Whitehall Assembly of God. He enjoyed contributing to the church community and found a friend in Pastor Bill Lanes.

Farley was upbeat throughout his battle with cancer; his sense of humor and positivity were contagious and appreciated by all. He finished treatment and made plans to help with the church food drive and to spend Christmas with his daughters and grandkids. He lived his life to the fullest to the very end. No doubt, he is already exchanging hunting stories and making halo trades (his was always a little bent). We will miss him dearly, but are comforted knowing he is at peace.

We would like to give special thanks to Nancy and Cliff Edsall, Mark Clark, Troy Tueller, Amanda Osborne, Tara Stillwagon, and Carolyn Henry for being with Farley when we could not be. Thanks also to his care team at the St. James Cancer Center in Butte, MT, and to pastor Bill Lanes.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mule Deer Foundation or 4 Paws Rescue.

A celebration of life is planned for 11 AM on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at The Depot, 818 Arizona Street, Butte, Montana.

He was well-loved, and we will miss him dearly.