Martha Ann Hickox

Martha Ann Ramsey Hickox, 91, of Bentonville, Arkansas, met her Savior on May 8, 2025 at her home. Martha was born on September 16, 1933, in Harrisburg, Illinois to Roy and Freida (Bramlet) Ramsey. Martha grew up in Illinois, where she later attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Most of Martha’s adult life was spent in Bentonville, Arkansas. Martha and Rex were members of the Bentonville community since 1966 and members of the First United Presbyterian Church for 59 years, where they have made many dear friends over the years. Martha and Rex both sang in the church choir for 22 years. Music was her joy and she had a beautiful voice.

Martha graduated from Carbondale High School in 1951. She was active on the yearbook committee, cheerleading squad and on the Homecoming Court. After college, she moved to St. Louis and worked as an Assistant in the offices of Barnes Hospital. It was in St. Louis that she met Rex. As it turned out, they lived in the same apartment building, each with other friends. Their official meeting took place at the Veiled Prophet Parade on July 4, 1954. Rex was a Lab Tech at Barnes, so they had many common interests. Their first date was at Casa Loma in St. Louis. On September 30, 1955, Rex graduated from Gradwohl Lab Tech School in the afternoon and they were married that evening at Richmond Heights Presbyterian Church. The very next day, Rex and Martha moved to Olney, IL. The next stop in their journey took them to Cody, Wyoming. Rex and Martha both worked at the Cody Hospital and it was there where Rex was encouraged to further his education. They moved back to St. Louis after Rex was accepted into the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. After Rex’s graduation in 1961, pharmacy jobs led them to Decatur, Illinois, where Dawn was born, then Ava and Springfield, Missouri, where Scott was born.

In 1966, Rex and Martha had the opportunity to become partners with two others and open Rose Drug on the Square in Bentonville. Martha was busy volunteering in “All things Bentonville”. She was a Brownie/Girl Scout Leader, she volunteered at the church and she welcomed many new friends to town, who soon became family. Martha volunteered at Dawn’s and Scott’s schools and always attended all of their school and extracurricular activities. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she has belonged to PEO Chapter V for over 50 years. Martha and Rex had many friends and created an idyllic childhood for their children. Rex and Martha later opened their own store, Rex Drug, at 201 S. Main in downtown Bentonville. Martha did not “physically” work at the store, yet she did all things behind the scenes. She brought a fresh lunch to Rex at the store every day. She manually processed and mailed the invoices every month. Rex Drug allowed customers to charge their purchases, which was a lifeline to some. Rex Drug had accounts with nursing homes in Gravette and Rogers, so Martha drove several times a week to deliver or pick up medicine. She was vital in the operation of Rex Drug. They decided to sell Rex Drug to Harps Foods in 1999.

Rex and Martha loved to travel and had many adventures. Their travels took them to North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. They were so blessed to enjoy these wonderful trips with friends and family. There was always a celebration of some sort within their friend group. Lots of parties (many surprise parties), dinners and holiday celebrations. These all included the kids, so all the children became great friends, as well. What a wonderful time to grow up in Bentonville, Arkansas!

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Rex. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Von) Eshnaur, son, Rex “Scott” (Amy) Hickox, grandchildren Benjamin (Chloe) Eshnaur, Christopher Eshnaur, Allison (Mark) Wopata, Nicholas (Chelsea) Eshnaur, Connor Hickox and Cooper Hickox, as well as a great-granddaughter, June. Martha is also survived by her sister in law and brother in law, Betty Jean and Gary Hickox, along with many beloved nieces and nephews and a host of lifelong family friends.

Martha has been cremated and her Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 901 N.E. J Street, Bentonville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church Music Department, Bentonville or Chapter V PEO, 1521 NE Dysart Woods Lane, Bentonville, AR 72712.

Her interment will be at the Columbarium at First Presbyterian Church, Bentonville.