Elizabeth Jane "Betsy" Hickman, 78, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

Betsy was born July 12, 1944, the daughter of the late Donald Benjamin and Francis E. (George) Harris. She was married to Ben Hickman on June 11, 1966.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents and by her daughter Pamela Jane Hickman on April 10, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law Ellis Brunton, and her brother-in-law Howard Hickman.

Betsy is survived by her husband Ben Hickman; her son and daughter-in-law, Benjamin and Annie Hickman of Kirksville, MO; her grandchildren, Pamela Grace, Joseph Benjamin, and Joshua Andrew; two sisters, Dona Brunton of Rogers, AR and Sandy (Dave) Allison of Paola, KS; sister-in -law Lisa Hickman of Rocheport, MO; and brother-in-law Chase Hickman (Jane) of Hannibal, MO; as well as several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Betsy was a graduate of Shawnee Mission High School with the Class of 1962, and received a BA degree in education from the University of Missouri where she was a member of the Tri Delta Sorority.

Betsy was an extraordinary human being that graced her family's lives for 78 years which turned out to be way too short. She was best friends with her grandchildren and had a great love for her entire family. She could ask questions which from someone else might seem intrusive but from her it was because she truly cared.

Betsy had a sense of wonderment, not necessarily in big things but also in small things. She loved reading her Bible and in her own way knew how to learn and understand the Lord. Betsy had the ability to ask a question that you would know the answer to and it would always serve a purpose. Betsy was proud of her family history, was selfless, always wore a beautiful smile, and was easy to love.

She loved playing with her grandchildren whether it be building a fire, helping stage a play or just looking for that perfect rock. The thought of an adventure would light up her eyes, whether it be big or small.

Betsy loved sitting in a good chair, she loved telling her husband that they could not have ever found a better daughter-in-law, she loved to laugh, she loved knowing her life was blessed, and she loved just talking about her family.

Betsy faced challenges in her life magnificently, including her bouts with Cancer and the death of her daughter, while at the same time always making others feel better along the way. From deep in her heart, Betsy was always sincere and truly kind.

Even when Betsy became tired she still managed to do the same things she always enjoyed. She knew her life was blessed and now she is gone. On Tuesday the Lord received a beautiful soul.

A private family funeral will be held and a Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sue Ross Arts Center, 215 S. Franklin St. in Kirksville.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, and may be left at the Arts Center or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.