Elizabeth "Betty" R. Hicks

Elizabeth Rita “Betty” Hicks, 82, of Dennison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Claymont Health and Rehabilitation in Uhrichsville. Born March 28, 1935 in Dennison, she was a daughter of the late John Steven and Rosalia (Gedeon) Smolak.

A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison and its Altar Society, Betty was a 1953 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker who will be remembered for her delicious cooking and baking, especially her “Smolak Cookies”. She always loved taking care of her family and was an avid gardener. Betty was employed by Sales Department Store in Uhrichsville for over 30 years where she developed and shared her elegant fashion sense, always dressing impeccably for all occasions. She also worked at Market Basket for a number of years.

On June 23, 1956, Betty married Harry Baldwin Hicks with whom she enjoyed 36 years of loving marriage until his passing on August 5, 1992. They were blessed with four sons, John T. (Cheryl) Hicks of New Philadelphia, Mark J. (Mary Cornish-Hicks) Hicks of Virginia, Harry M. (Nida) Hicks of California, and Joseph A. Hicks who preceded her in death; and grandchildren, Lauren, Matthew, Michael, Michelle, and Marie. Betty is also survived by her brother, Paul (Darlene) Smolak of Dennison; sister, Agnes Hayden of Fairlawn; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dear friend, Dorothy Best. In addition to her parents, husband and son, she was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, George and Norma Smolak; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Josephine and Margaret Smolak, Mary and Pio Chini, Pauline and Mike Kowal, Helen and Harry Liggett, and Len Hayden.

Betty’s family wish to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Claymont Health and Rehabilitation and Community Hospice for the excellent care that was provided to Betty during her final illness.

Father Tyron Tomson will celebrate the funeral Mass on Friday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. Visitation will begin with a Christian Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Charitable contributions honoring Betty’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Church’s Memorial Book Fund and Community Hospice.