Opal Hickam

Bloomfield Opal B. Hickam, 81, of Bloomfield, passed away, Sunday, May 9, 2010. She was born November 22, 1928 in Sudan, Texas to Lem and Thelma Northcutt. Opal is survived by her husband E. Earl Hickam of 63 years; daughters, Cynthia (Charlie) Tallman, Gloria (Dave) DeTemple, Thelma (Chris) Dugas; sister, June Cotton; grandchildren, Rebecca Dugas, E.J. Dugas and Aimee Dugas; Great-grandchildren, Ravenne Dugas, Christopher Dugas and Alyson Dugas; 6 nieces, 4 nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma, in 1940 and her step-mother, Mae, in 1991 also her father, Lem, in 1994. Many of her activities took her out-of-doors, such as gardening, fishing and hunting. Opal was also passionate about breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. She always had a hand in the work around the farm but it never took her from caring for her family. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Very active in not only her life but her community as well, Opal was involved with the San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District, the New Mexico State Agricultural Science Center, New Mexico Horse Breeders Assoc., New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau, of which she was Secretary and Treasurer. She and Earl received the Farm Bureau Family of the Year Award in 2007. Opal was also the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Elks Lodge 2086 of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Pallbearers for Opals’ service are; Charlie Tallman, Chris Dugas, Dave DeTemple, E.J. Dugas, Raymond Netcher, Rusty Netcher, Jeremiah Dugas and Ralph Masters. Honorary Pallbearers are: Christopher Dugas (great-grandson), Wayne Proctor (nephew), Jim Sauder (nephew), Frank Hodnett (nephew) and many loyal and cherished friends. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at Cope Memorial Chapel in Farmington, 404 W. Arrington, 505-327-5142. Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute, Farmington, 505-325-8688. Opal is in the care of Cope Memorial Chapel of Farmington. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Gingrich Home for the Elderly, 27 Road 5577, Farmington, 632-1234.