Betty Hickman

Betty Hickman, 86, of Springfield, passed away at Lewis Memorial Christian Village on Monday, July 22, 2024. She was born on May 24, 1938, in Pocahontas, AR, the daughter of George and Margaret Dust Baltz. She married Don Hickman in Memphis, TN, and celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage until his death in 2011.

She is survived by her sons, Barry (Christina) Hickman of Springfield and Todd (Dawn) Hickman of Overland Park, KS. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Stephanie (Phil) Pinkston, Ryan Hickman, Hallie Hickman, Maggie (Quinn) Dippel, Hunter Hickman, and Jackson Hickman; three great-grandchildren; brother, George H. (Vicky) Baltz, Jr. of Acworth, GA; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Barbara Baltz Vought, Marian Baltz Sassenrath, and Tim Baltz.

Betty was a 1956 graduate of St. Paul High School in Pocahontas, and the St. Joseph Hospital College of Nursing in Memphis in 1960. She was devoted to her profession as director of nursing and administrator of long-term care facilities in Springfield. She finished her career with the Illinois Department of Public Aid’s Office of Inspector General, where she was named the agency’s Employee of the Year for 1999. She retired in 2001.

She was a parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and former member of Panther Creek Country Club and Illini Country Club.

She loved being with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Betty was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan. She was also a huge Elvis Presley fan, having known him personally while in Memphis.

Cremation was provided, prior to services.

Memorial Gathering and Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Molloy, celebrant.

Private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham, IL 62629.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.