Elizabeth Ann Hicks

Elizabeth A. (Betty) Hicks

Elizabeth A. (Betty) Hicks, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at her home of over 50 years in Roswell, NM. Betty was born on July 20, 1943 to Vincent and Rita Malone in Providence, RI. She was the oldest of nine children with six sisters and two brothers. She graduated from North Providence High School in 1961. She lived in Providence until just after graduation when her father moved the family to Albuquerque, NM to take a new position with the Veteran’s Administration. In Albuquerque, Betty began a career with the federal government working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over her 40 plus year career she worked for various federal agencies, including over 30 years with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), when she “retired” in 2001, but spent many years after continuing to work with her BLM family on a contract and volunteer basis.

On New Year’s Eve 1963, she met the love of her life, Howard I. Hicks on a blind date. They were married on November 28, 1964, beginning a life together that would span 60 years. In 1969 they welcomed a son, Scott, followed by a daughter, Ellen, in 1970. In 1973 the family moved to Roswell where Howard continued his insurance career. For seven years, Betty stayed home to raise her two young children until they both started elementary school. In 1976, Betty resumed her federal career working in Roswell for the US Geological Survey, the Bureau of Minerals Management and finally the Bureau of Land Management. She nurtured many special friendships through her career and became affectionately known as “MOM” (or “SARGE” depending on the situation) to all of those who worked closely with her. One BLM District Manager said she taught more District Managers how to do the job than anyone else ever did.

Betty loved camping and fishing trips and vacationing across the country with her family and special friends. She cherished the many summers spent together with family and friends at her house at Sumner Lake, water skiing and boating. Later in life she enjoyed 22 years relaxing in the mountains at “Hicks Hideaway” near Cloudcroft, NM. Countless afternoons were shared sitting on the deck watching the deer, elk, and occasional bear stroll through the yard followed by evenings of friendly competition playing board games and cards.

Betty truly loved her family. She was her children’s constant support and biggest fan in everything they did growing up. From school programs, sports, and piano recitals to college graduations, she was always right there encouraging and cheering them on.

Perhaps Betty’s most treasured role was being “Nannie” to her four grandchildren Asher, Holden, Kiahna and Brennen. She rarely missed any of their soccer, baseball or basketball games, sometimes going back and forth between games being played at the same time. It didn’t matter if it was sleepovers, birthday parties, or school award assemblies, she made sure they knew how much she loved each of them by being involved in their lives every chance she got.

From an early age, Betty loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a parishioner of Assumption of the BVM Catholic Church for over 40 years. She also attended Trinity United Methodist Church with Howard. She attended both regularly for many decades right up until a few weeks before her death. She served in many capacities at both churches, including the “FFF” (Food for Funerals) at Assumption where she volunteered as organizer, table setter, and food server. Everyone that knew Betty could count on her to do whatever was needed.

Betty was loved dearly and will be missed by all that knew her. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Howard of the home; her son Scott (Mary) of Roswell; her daughter Ellen (Lee) of Roswell; grandchildren Asher Harper, Holden Harper, Kiahna Medina and Brennen Hicks; sisters Margaret Riley, Cathie Lopez, Helen Rollins (Scott), Annie Malone, and brother Bill Malone (Suzanne), all of Albuquerque, NM and sister Susan Johnson (Rock) of Palm Springs, CA; as well as 16 nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Vincent and Rita Malone, brother Charles Malone, sister Mary Laughlin and her beloved in-laws, Howard E. and Evelyn Hicks and Barbara E. Vorce.

A funeral mass to celebrate Betty’s life will be held at Assumption Catholic Church on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in Betty’s honor.