Betty Jean Hicks

Betty Jean Hicks, 84, a servant of God and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Monday morning, February 16, 2015 in the Community Hospice House following a lengthy decline with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born in Dover on April 9, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Massimo and Bertha (Welz) Basiletti. Betty attended Midvale schools, prior to being called to care for her siblings at the age of 15 when her mother passed away.

Her nurturing spirit and homemaking skills were present throughout her lifetime. On December 24, 1949, Betty married her lifelong partner and soulmate, Ward D. Hicks. From their early beginnings dating after having met in a coffee shop, to the birth of four children, and their unwavering commitment to their church, Betty and Ward shared a beautiful relationship founded on their faith for the past 65 years.

Betty’s spiritual journey was nurtured throughout her lifetime at the First Christian Church in New Philadelphia. There she served in a variety of capacities and participated in many groups. Betty always said yes to the church’s needs, whether it was sewing choir dresses, raising funds for a spaghetti dinner, or serving as a janitor alongside her husband. She lived out her faith daily, whether it was at the church or caring for her family and friends.

Her beautiful spirit will be deeply missed by her husband, Ward Hicks; her children, Dale Hicks of New Philadelphia, Doug (Doreena) Hicks of Dennison, and Jenifer (Scott) Luikart of New Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Chad (Tricia) Hicks of New Philadelphia, Kyle Luikart of Tuscarawas, and Eric Luikart of New Philadelphia; her great-grandson, Logan; her brothers, Emmett, Clarence (Maxine) and Lester Basiletti; her sister, Ramona Weber; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Virgil (Wuanita) Hicks, Foster (Roberta) Hicks, Grace (Tom) Kohler, and Evelyn Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her stillborn daughter, Brenda; and 16 siblings.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A service giving thanks for Betty’s life will be held in the First Christian Church on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery.

Friends and family are invited back to the church fellowship hall where Betty’s church family will host a meal following the committal service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be directed to the First Christian Church, PO Box 474, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.