Bette H Hicks

Bette Hoch Hicks was born June 10, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Edwin & Jenne Hoch. She was preceded in death by her husband Harmon, her only sister Barbara Campbell-Dornfeld and Son-in-Law Paul Fiocca. She leaves daughters Holly Borg (Robert), Marsha Fiocca, Melinda Davis (James) & son Robert Hicks (Stephanie), 12 Grandchildren & 10 Great-grandchildren.

She spent her early years in Chicago where she met & married Harmon E. Hicks during World War II. Harmon served as an officer in the US Maritime Service, after which they settled in Palos Park, IL where they raised their 4 children - Holly, Marsha, Melinda & Rob. In 1989 they moved to Sarasota, FL after vacationing in Sarasota for a number of years. They joined the Presbyterian Church of the Palms where Bette was trained as a Stephen Minister. She also created a Needlepoint Ministry and with the help of the members produced many ecclesiastical stitcheries. She was a founder and past president of the Sun Stitchers, a chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild as well as being a member of the Embroiderers Guild of America. Her love of canvas stitchery led her to join the National Academy of NeedleArts where she studied to become a certified canvaswork teacher. Studying, teaching classes & attending seminars and classes across the US & Europe were her favorite pastimes. It was a special pleasure to help recreate the Louis XIV Needlepoint Chairs for Ca d’ Zan in the Sarasota Ringling Mansion as well as creating stitched ornaments for the White House Christmas Tree.

After Bette & Harmon celebrated their 62nd anniversary, Harmon left for his heavenly home in 2006. Bette moved to Orlando to be closer to two of her children. She became active in Spring of Life United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending time with family, stitching and playing MahJong with her friends until she went home to be with the Lord.

A "Celebration of Life" service for Bette Hicks will be at Spring of Life United Methodist Church, 11101 Moss Park Road, Orlando on Saturday March 3, 2018 at 10:30 am with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.