Obituary of Kathleen Ann Dicks
Kathleen Ann VanWashenova was born on June 7, 1945, at Mercy Hospital in Monroe, Michigan. She was the daughter of Leroy VanWashenova and Catherine "Cate" (Jondro) VanWashenova. Kathleen began her high school journey at St. Mary Academy but transferred to Airport High School for her junior year and graduated with the class of 1963. It was there that she experienced love at first sight, declaring to a friend her intention to marry Leonard Arthur Dicks even before formally meeting him.
She and Leonard were married on April 18, 1964, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Newport. The couple was blessed with four children. As a devoted homemaker, Kathleen took care of her family's needs while also working outside the home as a house cleaner and in various other roles. Her keen sense of organization was evident in her meticulous cleaning habits
Family was central to Kathleen's life, and she particularly cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, making many wonderful memories each Summer in Hillsdale at the campground. Known for her thoughtful and patient nature, she was an excellent listener and easy to talk to.
Kathleen had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and yard work, even taking pride in maintaining her lawnmower. She loved spending time with Leonard at their condo in Longboat Key, Florida, where being near the ocean deepened her love for the water. She and Leonard loved to travel and often went on vacations, the duo visited the condo in the months of April and October for many years.
An enthusiast for the casinos, Kathleen enjoyed visiting both Motor City and Hollywood Casinos. Kathleen also delighted in planning Easter egg hunts and played the role of Elf while Leonard was Santa for the tenants at their rental properties.
Despite battling poor health for many years, Kathleen was a fighter, showing resilience and determination throughout her life.
Kathleen Ann Dicks, age 79 of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at 3:55am on Sunday; November 24, 2024, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a son: Timothy Dicks; and two brothers: Edward (Myrtle) VanWashenova and Dale VanWashenova
To cherish her memory, she leaves her beloved high school sweetheart: Leonard Arthur Dicks; four children: Scott (Raquel) Dicks of Manitou Beach, Michigan, Sherry Venier (Greg Saul) of Newport, Dennis Dicks (DePriest Dockins) of Ypsilanti, a forever daughter-in-law: Tara Bunker of Monroe; two sisters: Marilyn Calkins of Wyandotte and Lisa Scow of Nebraska; two brothers: Charles (Jayne) VanWashenova and Larry VanWashenova both of Newport; eight grandchildren: Jordan, Zachary, Jacob, Olivia, Alex, Jeff Jr., Timothy Jr. "T.J.", and Vance.
Friends may gather from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday; November 26, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. At 7:00pm A Celebration of Her Life will take place and guests will be encouraged to share a memory about Kathleen. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor are suggested to Ribbons of Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.