Elizabeth Wise

Elizabeth Hicks Wise, age 88, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 at Haven of Show Low Nursing Home in Show Low, Navajo County, Arizona.  Elizabeth (Liz) was born September 23, 1930 in Evanston, Illinois to the late Edward Livingston Hicks Jr. and Mary Flournoy Hicks. Liz was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Edward Livingston Hicks III.

Liz grew up and attended school in Winnetka, Illinois and fell in love with Arizona’s White Mountains when visiting the area during summer breaks. She headed West at her first independent opportunity soon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Arizona State University. She invested her entire professional career, spanning nearly 30 years, as a public educator with the Whiteriver School District on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, teaching Elementary children at the Cibecue, Seven Mile and Whiteriver Elementary Schools during her career.

Liz was a voracious reader, raised generations of basset hounds and actively pursued an adventurous, outdoor oriented-life around the diversity of Arizona’s landscapes and people, all of which inspired her. In retirement, Liz dedicated the balance of her life and energy to volunteerism in support of the environment and outdoors she loved so much. Her many contributions include serving as a founding member of TRACKS and The White Mountain Conservation League.

Liz is survived by her daughter, Leslie Clark, son, Jonathan Cooley, stepson, Anthony Cooley; and grandchildren, Christopher Clark, Madison Elizabeth Cooley and Wyatt Corydon Cooley.

A casual gathering and benefit, in honor of Liz, will be held at the White Mountain Nature Center, 425 South Woodland Road, Lakeside, on Saturday, November 17^th from 2 to 4pm.  Refreshments will be provided.  Instead of flowers, cards or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the White Mountain Nature Center (whitemountainnaturecenter.org) in honor of Elizabeth.