Betty June Sicley
16 July 1933 – 19 January 2025
Betty Sicley, formerly of Hardy, Arkansas, passed away on January 19th, 2025, in
Dayton, Washington, after a brave battle with cancer. Born on July 16th, 1933, to Frank
and Jewel (Winans) Sanders in Britton, OK and raised in Stockton, CA
Betty lived her life with an authenticity that left a lasting impression on everyone she
encountered. A strong-willed woman, Betty was known for her candidness and sharp
wit, never hesitating to express her thoughts and feelings. Her direct approach to life
taught her children the values of honesty and resilience. Those who knew Betty
understood her fiery spirit and unwavering determination. She was a woman who faced
life head-on and encouraged others to do the same. Her love for her family and her
tenacity in the face of adversity were felt deeply by those fortunate enough to be part of
her life.
Betty had worn many hats over her life time. Working in factories, bar tending, dealing
cards and was a bus driver for a time before getting her Ged and Nursing license at 38.
Betty became the owner of Rolling Hills Motel on a three week vacation in 1987. She
also ran the Frontier Motor Lodge in Hardy before retiring to play games at the kitchen
table and think about where she wanted to move to next.
Betty was married to and out lived four husbands Kenneth Kirby, Robert Sicley, Robert
Blansett, and Udell Simmons. She also out lived all of her siblings, Doris SandersWalters, Pauline Sanders, and Eugene Sanders; and her stepson, Ronald J. Sicley and
parents Frank and Jewel.
She is survived by her children, including Kenneth Kirby (Debbie), Ann O’Malley (Kevin),
Arjae Sicley, and Gina Keeney (Chase), as well as a remarkable legacy of more than 40
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her memory forward.
Services to honor Betty’s life will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the
family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in her memory. Betty’s legacy of
strength and authenticity will continue to resonate with all who knew her.
