Letha Mae Hickox, 81, of Medina, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at Hospice at The Inn at Medina.

She was born Feb. 16, 1927, in Ravenna, to Carl and Pearl (Renner) Hickox. She was a 1945 graduate of Rootstown Township High School and was valedictorian. She also graduated from Cleveland City Hospital School of Nursing (now Metro General) in 1948, and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Ohio State University in 1957, and a Master of Science in nursing degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1962. Letha served more than five years in the Army Nurse Corps from 1949 to 1955, and taught on the faculty of the Catholic University of America from 1962 to 1968. She was the director of nursing at the Portage County Health Department from 1968 to 1980 and the director of nursing at the Medina County Health Department from 1981 until her retirement in 1986. As director of nursing, she helped establish the Medina County Hospice program. In retirement, she devoted much of her time to church-related activities and extensive traveling, including several mission trips. She traveled to nearly 30 countries. She volunteered regularly at Medina United Methodist Church, where she also taught Sunday school. She was president of Church Women United and also headed Crop Walk for Church World Services. She also remained actively involved with Operation HOMES, was a participating member of Kings Daughters and Sons, Daughters of the American Revolution, Medina County Women of the Military and Church Women United through Medina United Methodist Church. Letha’s military history is in print in Volumes I and II of the books compiled by the Medina County Women of the Military. She was an avid walker and did the Park Walks for 12 years. Until recently, she went to the recreation center and was part of the Measured Miles Program and nearly completed her 1,000-mile goal. Trips to Germany fed another of Letha’s interests: genealogy. Family was very important to her.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Patricia DiMaso of Columbus, Janice (Dennis) DePompei of Ravenna, Linda Thomas of Barberton, Pamela (James) Chalfant of Georgia, Cheryl (Gary) Douthitt of Florida, Brian Martin of Cuyahoga Falls, Carl Martin of Oregon and Michael (Allisa) Martin of Tennessee; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Florence Robinson and Eleanor Martin.

Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be at Drakesburg Cemetery in Freedom Township.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Medina United Methodist Church, 260 S. Court St.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Medina County, 797 N. Court St., Medina, 44256; or Medina United Methodist Church.

Waite & Son Funeral Homes, Medina Chapel, is handling the arrangements.

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