Cookie Dillen, 69

Sharilyn Kay “Cookie” Dillen, age 69, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Friday morning December 28, 2012 at her home.

She was born September 23, 1943 in Coldwater, Michigan a daughter of the late Leo and Carmen (Slingerland) Binkley.

Cookie resided most of her life in Sturgis. On July 10, 1993 she married Harold Dillen at her brother Jack’s home on Prairie Lake.

For several years she had been employed by the Harter Corporation in Sturgis until she was forced to retire due to health reasons. At one time she attended truck driving school and she was a homemaker.

Cookie was a member of Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American legion Auxiliary and she enjoyed fishing, playing pool, going to garage sales and caring for her many house plants. She loved her pets and spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Cookie is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Harold; two daughters: Elaine Morris and Jean “Charlie” (Robert) Stahl both of Sturgis; two sons: James Jackson of White Pigeon and Jack Jackson of Mauston, Wisconsin; two granddaughters: Brandi Murphy and Rachel Harris; three great grandsons: Zac Opdycke, Austin Opdycke and Ricky Schaefer, II; one brother: Jack Binkley of Wolcottville, Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: Edward Binkley.

In accordance with her wishes her body was gifted to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donation Program in Ann Arbor. A gathering of family and friends to honor the life of Cookie Dillen and the sharing of a meal and memories will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday, January 16th at the American Legion Post #73, 500 W. Chicago Rd., in Sturgis.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Cookie’s memory consider the American Cancer Society.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.