Betty J (Sykes) Kiczek

Betty Kiczek passed away late Thursday evening October 22, 2015 three weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday.  She was surrounded by her four dedicated, loving daughters who stood vigil for several days.  She had remained mentally alert to the end.

She was born on October 1, 1925 to Clarence and Addie (McMillen) Sykes in Canaan, Ohio.  She was the youngest of eight children-Robert, Donald, Harry, Florence, Ruth, Raymond and Margaret who preceded her in death.  

Betty was the last of a proud generation from both the Kiczek and Sykes families.

She was a 1943 graduate of Creston High School and in August attended her Creston Alumni reunion.

Following graduation, she was a secretary at the Packaging Corporation aka “The Boxboard”.  At her work she met the love of her life, Edward Kiczek.   They were married August 20, 1949 and were the parents of four daughters.  They were married for 45 years until his passing on April 5, 1995.  Together they endured the love of the farm life and later she became the administrative assistant for Kiczek Realty for many years.

Betty was a Charter Member of St. Stephen’s Church in West Salem.  She was involved in the Ladies Guild and enjoyed  Meals ‘n More fellowship each Wednesday at the church hall.  

For many years she was the Homer Twp. Precinct Chairperson as well as always willing to lend a hand to the community when called upon.

She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, and bowling with her friends.  Betty also volunteered for many years at the Lodi Community Hospital Gift Shop.

Traveling with Ed was an adventure as they traveled to all fifty states and cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska and the Panama Canal.  But her favorite times were the simplicity of bumming with Ed on Amish Country back roads.

For the past 37 years Betty and her family have hosted the annual summer reunions at “The Cabin” and lake.  This wonderful tradition kept the families connected with the generations through the years of life.

Betty is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law.   Patricia and Gary Baker, Karen and Nick Thomas, Diana and Jeff Neinberg, and Marlene and Tim Zeigler.  Grandchildren and great grandchildren include Kathryn (Patrick Knaze), Bryan Thomas, Jason (Briana) Zeigler, Katrina (Doug) Ewing, Lucas (Leigh Ann) Zeigler, Juliet Thomas-Burras (Jonathan),  Mike (Vicky) Neinberg, and Keith Zeigler.  Great grand children include, Kayla, Korrine, Payton, Gracie, Parker, Grant, Finnegan, August, Jacob, and Calvin.  Preceding her in death were son-in-law Ned. B. Heslop and grandson Brian E. Heslop plus her brothers and sisters and many, many friends.

During the recent years Betty fulfilled her dream of remaining on the farm thanks to her family and the many care givers who became family friends.  A special thanks to Cathy, Nettie, Terry, Carolyn, Sandy K., Stacy, Amanda, Helen, Sandy F., Kate, Evie, Valerie, and Miss Pat.   

The farm remains in the hands of her faithful dog-Vixie Kiczek.

EVERYONE who knew her has wonderful memories of this quiet, strong, wife, loving mother,  grandmother, and aunt.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matteson Funeral Home, West Salem. Calling hours will be Sunday, Oct. 25  3:00-7:00 p.m. at Matteson Funeral Home, West Salem.  Funeral Mass will be held Monday, Oct 26 at St. Stephen’s Church, West Salem at 11:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mattesonfh.com

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