Blanche E. (Betty) Hicks, 91, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away at her residence on Friday, August 10, 2012. Blanche was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda, Florida where she volunteered time and love to minister to the sick and needy at nursing homes in the area.

She was born February 12, 1921 in Circleville, Ohio and was the youngest daughter of William E. Paxson (Paxton) and Stella Iles. She graduated from Circleville High School in 1939. In 1941 Blanche married Charles L. Hicks, Sr. and during WWII moved to Columbus, Ohio while Charles was overseas in the Pacific theater of war with the U.S. Army. In Columbus Blanche worked at the U.S. Army Ordnance plant and advanced quickly up the ranks to become the executive assistant to the Plant Manager.

Blanche and Charles later moved to Canton, Ohio where they lived for over 30 years and raised three sons. While in Canton, Blanche worked for several years in banking and financial services and become the Assistant Branch Manager for the Harter Bank and Trust.

Blanche is survived by her three sons, Charles of Santa Cruz, California, Mike of Pacifica, California, and Gregory of Dublin, Ohio; and her grand-children, Michael, Anna Marie, Sean and Molly. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years Charles L. Hicks, Sr. on May 5, 2012.

No local services are scheduled for Blanche as of this date. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes, Punta Gorda Chapel.