Mrs. Betty Jane Sickles, 97, of Abingdon, Illinois, died at 2:01 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, Illinois.
She was born on May 7, 1928, near Abingdon, Illinois the daughter of Homer P. and Nada (Mitchell) Schisler. She married Lynn Dykeman on June 5, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1951. She later married Elmer A. Sickles, Jr., on July 10, 1952, in Rosetta, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 28, 2013.
Surviving is a daughter, Anita Fordyce of Abingdon, three sons, Rodney Sickles of Avon, Illinois, Kevin (and Susanne) Sickles of Abingdon, Gale (and Diana) Sickles of Abingdon, a brother, JR Schisler of Michigan, seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Robert E. Dykeman, a son-in-law, Steve Fordyce, eight brothers, three sisters, a grandson, Kevin Sickles, Jr., and a great granddaughter, Charlotte Sickles.
Betty lived in the Abingdon and London Mills area all her life and attended London Mills Schools. She worked at the Abingdon Blue Bell Factory and later at Fey’s Processing in Abingdon. She attended Berwick Baptist Church, Berwick, Illinois. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and most of all, spending time with her family.
Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Abingdon Cemetery. Rev. Tom Smith will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Berwick Baptist Church or to Hospice Compassus. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
