Betty Hicks

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Betty Jean Hicks of Chaffee, 72, was received by the loving arms of her husband and son, Larry and Frankie, when she entered heaven's gates on the morning of Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

Betty was born June 24, 1943, in Allenville to the late Amon and Dolly Smith Seabaugh. She married Larry Gale Hicks in 1960. They were blessed with four children, who blessed them with grandchildren.

Betty loved unconditionally. She brightened the world with her kind and gentle soul. She loved children, and nothing put a bigger smile on her face than the presence of her grandbabies. Betty enjoyed being outdoors, bird watching, fishing, cooking for her loved ones and being with her family.

Betty worked at Thorngate Company in Chaffee for 26 years. She then worked for Columbia Sportswear in Chaffee until its closing.

Betty then found her place surrounded by children at Chaffee Elementary School, employed as a custodian. She loved being at the school, where she frequently was referred to as "Grandma Betty" by many children.

Betty was a member of First Baptist Church in Delta, where she enjoyed caring for children in the nursery for many years.

Survivors include a daughter, Loretta Below of Chaffee; two sons, Eric (Paula) Hicks of Chaffee and Mark (Kourtney) Hicks of Advance, Missouri; grandchildren, Rebecca (Shawn) Kinder, Dustin (Lauren) Hicks, Tristan Hicks, Grace Hicks, Beth (Chris) DeHart and David (Ashley) Little; and great-grandchildren, Korbin, Rowan and Talon Kinder, Kaitlin and Austin McFerron and Ethan and Carter Little.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Hicks; a son, Frankie Hicks; three brothers; and one sister.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Travis Hendrix, assisted by the Rev. Joe McCullough, officiating. Burial will be in Union Park Cemetery in Chaffee.

Online condolences may be shared at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.