Artha E. "Billie" Sickinger

Artha E. (Billie) Sickinger, 91, of Battle Creek, died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at the White Oaks Retirement Community in Lawton. Billie was born November 16, 1922 in Henderson, KY to Benjamin and Cora (Crooks) Fenwick. She graduated from Senn High School in Chicago, IL and went on to work for Kemper Insurance in Chicago, Michigan National Bank, Security National and Comerica Bank before retiring. Billie also worked as an election clerk for many years.

She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles and watching the birds at her backyard feeder. But her real love was golf. Billie was a former, longtime member of Marywood Country Club and Bedford Valley. During the 1960's and 1970's Billie competed in many city tournaments and interclub events. When she was no longer able to play golf, she continued to follow tournament activities on television.

Billie is survived by her son, James D. (Charlene) Sickinger of Morton, IL; a grandson, James M. (Anna) Sickinger of Peoria, IL; two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Emmett; and a sister, Norma Richter of Evansville, IN.

Billie married Norman L. Sickinger April 26, 1947. The couple met at Kemper Insurance and together they enjoyed many years of golf and dancing. She had many fond memories of the Friday evening Pinehurst events and dances at Marywood. The couple enjoyed 31 years of marriage until he sadly preceded her in death on January 30, 1979.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service to celebrate her life will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Lon Bouma. Those wishing to make memorial donations are asked to consider the Calhoun County Animal Shelter or SouthernCare Hospice.