Mardell "Mickie" Mickens

Mardell Mickens, formerly of Dos Cabezas, passed away at Academy Villas in Tucson where she was a resident. She was 94 years old. Many will remember her as "Mickie" the nurse at NCCH who cut the ribbon for the opening of the hospital fifty years ago. NCCH was very important to her. She dedicated her life to helping others. For example, at Christmas time and other special times she would work a shift for someone so they could be, as she said, "with their kiddies". She was Director of Nursing at the hospital and nursing home for more than thirty-four years. After retiring she was "on call" for another five years. She helped make the hospital a viable institution that many appreciate today. She and her husband Orville "Mick" Mickens (deceased) had a museum in Dos Cabezas for many years. The Frontier Relics museum was featured on television several times and included in books and articles about the area. Visitors came from all over the world. It is a tribute to them that the museum is now open in Casa Grande, Arizona. Mickie was born July 8, 1923, to G. Edd and Angie Booi Decker. The first of five children she graduated from Gilman, Illinois High School (the only one from her grade school class to do so.) She entered the United States Nurses Cadet Corps and completed her nursing degree in Chicago. After she married, she moved to Arizona where she assumed her nursing career. Her parents and husband, Orville Mickens, are deceased. Mickie had two brothers and two sisters. Deceased are sisters Edna Ann Decker, Marie Charlotte Martin and brother Eugene Dale Decker. Surviving is her brother Ken Decker of Willcox and Illinois. She has five nieces and nephews, Michael (Linda) Mickens, Kenneth M. (Pat) Decker, Kris Ann (Kerry) Glicken, Keith Allan (Barb) Decker, and Karla Marie (Mark) Felesena. Grand nieces and nephews include: Lauren O'leary, Michael Glicken, Ashley Glicken, Kenneth Mc. Decker, Kathryn Decker, Kyle Decker, Korey Decker, Tony Felesena, Jenna Koch and Kristen Warman. She has eight great, grand nephews and nieces. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Willcox United Methodist Church. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Dos Cabezas Pioneer Cemetery. Contributions may be made in her name to the Wesleyan Pre-school and Childcare in care of the Willcox United Methodist Church. You may express condolences at www.westlawnchapelmortuary.com Services entrusted to Westlawn Chapel, Mortuary and Crematory of Willcox, Arizona.

Mardell "Mickie" Mickens

July 8, 1923 - February 8, 2018