Obituary of Virigina Louise Hickingbottom

Louise Hickingbottom July 1, 1944 - October 3, 2014 Louise Hickingbottom passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 3, 2014, at her home in Lodi. She was born Virginia Louise Ballew on July 1, 1944, in Newport News, Virginia to Ernest & Marvelene (Gouge) Ballew. Louise graduated from Lodi High School in 1962. She married the love of her life, Ralph Hickingbottom, on March 9, 1965. She spent the early years of their marriage focusing on starting and raising a family. Shortly after her children started attending grade school, she began volunteering in their classrooms and discovered a passion for educating others. She went on to become a teacher's aide and as her passion for education developed, she decided to pursue a career as a teacher. In 1988, she graduated from Stanislaus State University and went on to obtain her teaching credential. Louise believed strongly in the value of an education, and few things in life gave her more pleasure than helping others learn. Her work as a teacher found her involved in a number of different programs which included traditional elementary school classroom settings, to specialized adult education programs. Even in retirement she still worked part-time as a tutor. She truly loved making a difference in the lives of others. While Louise loved being a teacher, her two greatest passions in life were her relationship with her Lord and Savior and her love of her family. She was a devout Christian with a tremendous faith in God and was an active member of her congregation. Her faith in God produced in her an indomitable spirit and zest for life. She never met a stranger and always had a warm smile and hug to greet you. Family played a very special role in her life. She was a devoted wife to Ralph for forty-nine years, and they were virtually inseparable. She also took a special joy in her role as mother, grandmother, and recently, great-grandmother. She was loving, understanding and supportive. She was a truly kind and generous soul and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Hickingbottom, her son, Bryan Hickingbottom (Linda), her daughter, Aleacia Fauth, five grandchildren: Derek Fauth, Ariana Fauth, Benjamin Fauth, Emily Hickingbottom and Matthew Hickingbottom; two great-grandchildren: Skylar Fauth and Ryan Scott; her mother, Marvelene Ballew, and three siblings, Wanda McMurtrie, Jerry Ballew, and Donna Wickwire. She was preceded in death by her father James Ernest Ballew. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 16th at 11am at Lodi Avenue Baptist Church located at 2301 W. Lodi Avenue in Lodi, CA. Donations can be made to Lodi Avenue Baptist Church Renovation Fund or The American Heart Association.