Bonnie Hicks

BLUE GRASS Bonnie Louella Arbogast Hicks, 68, of Blue Grass and formerly of Mustoe, peacefully passed away, surrounded by her family, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 at the home of her son and special caregiver Richie and Christy Hicks, as a result of Alzheimer's disease.

She was born in Arbovale, W.Va. on Feb. 1, 1945, the first child of the late Charles and Nellie Sheets Arbogast. On Feb. 10, 1963 she married her loving husband, Richard Leon Hicks, who preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 2013. Together they had five children, DaNette Rena "Penny" Chestnut and husband James of Staunton; Treva Anne Hull and husband Patrick of Monterey; Richard Leroy "Richie" Hicks and wife Christy of Blue Grass; Christopher Leon "Chris" Hicks and wife Heather of Staunton; and Brandi Hicks Bussard and husband Douglas of Mustoe.

Bonnie was a stay at home mom until her last child was in school and then she went into the cooking industry first at The Maple Restaurant and then at Highland County Public School until her retirement June 2009. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed every moment of the season from planting the first seed to canning the last jar of "summer sunshine" to be enjoyed by her family and friends on the coldest of winter days. It was nothing for her to can 1500-2000 jars a season. Mom also enjoyed feeding her family and friends every Sunday after church. She was a member of Victory Chapel Church and the W.H. And F.M. Society. She was loved by all who knew her and she loved her family and friends very much, especially the grand babies. She also never missed a day of feeding her feathered friends who she enjoyed watching.

In addition to her children she is survived by her grandchildren, Ashley Propst and husband Jesse; Sierra Edwards and husband Kevin; Hannah Murray and husband Vincent; Cynthia Hull and fiancé Elliott Boyd; Tamra Hicks and Johnny Williams; Burgundy Hicks and Christian Herber; Clay Hicks; Logan Hicks; Amelia Hicks; Brooklyn Bussard; and Bella Hicks; great-grandchildren Ava Chestnut, Thomas Boyd, Bryan Williams and Hunter Propst; brothers Gordon Arbogast and wife Edith, Michael Arbogast and wife Linda and Timothy Arbogast and wife Carlene; and sisters-in-law, Darlene Arbogast and Donna Arbogast.

Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, husband Richard, sister Tena Dean, brother Richard Arbogast, and granddaughter Selena Chestnut.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell. She will be laid to rest in the newly established family cemetery on Hicks' Quarter And A Quarter Better Farm next to her husband's ashes with the Rev. Andre Crummett officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6-8 p.m., at Obaugh Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jim Chestnut, Pat Hull, Dougie Bussard, Jesse Propst, Vincent Murray, Elliott Boyd, Doug Gumm and Delmas Lowry.

Memorial contributions can be made to Highland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Monterey, VA or Highland County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 267, Monterey, VA or McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, VA 24433 or the Highland Humane Society, PO Box 458, Monterey, Va. 24465.