Ruth Eileen Dykens

Ruth Eileen Dykens Ruth Eileen Dykens was born in Winchester, Illinois on October 2, 1920. She passed away in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 3, 2011. She was the daughter of Bert and Rosa (Grady) Carey. Ruth married Richard Dykens in Springfield, Illinois. Dick preceded her in death in April 2009. Ruth and Dick resided in Michigan and spent twenty-two winters in Fort Myers, Florida after they retired where they had many friends. Ruth is survived by three children: Joan Dykens, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mark (Debra) Dykens, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Cheryl (Robert) Winegar-Schussler, Tampa, Florida. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Darren Dykens, Derek Dykens, Danielle Dykens Cavanagh, Laura Winegar Rich and Jamie Winegar Suarez; and five great-grandchildren who reside in Tampa, Florida (Eli Rich, Megan Suarez, Abby Suarez, Ben Suarez and Daniel Suarez.) Ruth graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Illinois and attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was a secretary to Dr. Wickers, Vice President of Western Michigan University and she was also employed in the office of Clark Equipment Company. Ruth was also a medical secretary to Dr. J. Henricksen, Battle Creek Sanitarium. She retired from Federal Home Life Company after 15 years. Ruth was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 290. She enjoyed her family, music, dancing, cards, traveling, baking and friends. Ruth was nicknamed "Princess" by the staff at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, where she resided the last six months of her life. The family is very appreciative and thankful for the wonderful care Ruth received from the staff during her stay at this facility. Ruth was a caring and giving mother and grandmother, as well as a devoted wife. She deeply loved her children and family. She had many long term friends who, along with her family, will miss her dearly. Visitation will be at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011. Memorial services will be held Friday, January 7, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Collier Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan. Burial service will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, following the funeral service. Reception will follow at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Donations may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com