Frances E. Dickinson, age 99, of Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning, May 27, 2012, at Sturgis Hospital in Sturgis.
She was born May 7, 1913, in Wolcottville, Ind., a daughter of the late Artimus V. and Carrie M. (Bower) Dickinson.
Frances had resided in Sturgis since 2002. Prior to coming to Sturgis, she lived in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Indianapolis, and her early life was lived in Wolcottville, when the Dickinson family moved to the family farm to be closer to her grandparents.
Frances was a graduate of Wolcottville High School with the class of 1932 and she continued her education at International Business School in Fort Wayne, where she received an associates degree. Following her graduation, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. A.E. Eagles. Her career took her to Fort Harrison, where she worked as a dental assistant and eventually became a certified dental assistant with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis, where she retired following 45 years of dedicated service.
She was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, the Aldersgate Sunday school class, King’s Daughter, Zeta Beta Chi Sorority and the National Dental Assistants Association.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins, including Carol Yoder of White Pigeon and Terri Smith of Florida.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Erma Dickinson McDonald and Velma M. “Dickie” Dickinson.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Frances Dickinson will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis. Chaplin Glenn Russell will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at a later date at Woodland Cemetery in Wolcottville.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Miss Dickinson’s memory consider Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.