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Obituaries

Services for Melinda Kay Martin Hickerson, 56, Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Countryside United Methodist Church in Topeka. She died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005. She was born Sept. 26, 1949, in Enid, Okla., the daughter of W.D. "Pete" and Virginia "Peggy" Shepherd Martin. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Washburn University in Topeka, and a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and a Master of Science degree in administrative and health care management from Kansas State University.She served as director of dietetics at facilities in both Arkansas and Kansas. She served as director of Food and Nutrition Services at Lawrence Memorial Hospital from 1990 to 2004 and most recently worked as assistant director of Clinical Care at Aldersgate Village in Topeka. She was a member and president of the Kansas Dietetic Assn., and a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She was the author of several published articles in newsletters and professional journals.She married Will Hickerson. They divorced.Survivors include her mother, Topeka; a daughter, Hayley Hickerson Violand, Hawaii; a sister, Donna Kahle, Osage City; a brother, Brett Martin, Washington, D.C.; and a grandson.The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the service hour Saturday at the church.The family suggests memorials to Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 S.W. Burlingame Road, Topeka 66611; KDA Foundation Scholarship Program in memory of Melinda Hickerson, 3133 U. Avenue, Herington 67449 or a charity of the donor's choice.Penwell-Gabel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at <a href="http://www.penwellgabel.com">www.penwellgabel.com</a>.