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Kerry Dicke Obituary

Kerry Sexton Dicke

Kerry Dicke passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, surrounded by loved ones, having succumbed to complications following open heart surgery.

Kerry was born on July 17, 1951 in Austin, Texas, to Dorothy Jo and William Putnam Sexton. She was graduated from West Orange High School and attended Lamar University before transferring to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. At Trinity she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Theater and met her husband of twenty-nine years, Dane Dicke.

Kerry was a lifelong lover of the visual and performing arts. She derived much pleasure entertaining her friends in her own inimitable fashion; as well as traveling the world and experiencing new cultures. Kerry was a prolific entrepreneur and enjoyed owning several small businesses. Her endeavors included the Object d'Art gallery, Pleasant Dreamers children's clothing and bedding manufacturer and Gaga's, a children's boutique.

Kerry was a treasured grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She will be truly missed by her family and friends, but most tenderly by those who knew her as "Gaga."

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Sexton; daughters, Anastasia Huelsman, Robin Dicke and Ashton Dicke; son, Christopher Dicke; sister, Jane Jones; grandchildren, Allegra and Liam Huelsman. She will also be dearly missed by her kitties, Señor Kooka, Julius and Petula.

A memorial service in Dayton, Ohio will be held at a later date. An announcement will be made regarding the specifics in the near future.

Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Feb. 15, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Kerry thank you I've never met anyone like you . you were the most authentic real exciting intriguing person. I am so glad I knew you for a time. You had the most expressive and wonderful taste of any client I've ever had. I will always think of you love jan

Jan Streets

August 4, 2015

I knew Kerry at Trinity University when we were both Drama majors. I saw her name in the memorial column of the alumni magazine. I spoke to her on the phone for an upcoming alumni event and it was as if the years of not being in touch vaporized. She told me all about her children and Dane and her art business. She was a vivacious, happy person who loved life. I am saddened by her death.

When Kerry was at Trinity, she would practice saying the alphabet without her East Texas twang. However, every time she went back to East Texas she had to start all over again! (Note: I did not hear any sign of East Texas when we talked on the phone.) She also explained that she knew left and right by the gas stations that were on the corners of a street in Orange, Texas. So instead of left and right, she would visualize Shell and Exxon!

Another great story about Kerry was when she fell asleep she needed to hear white noise. She had a machine that helped sooth her to sleep. When the white noise machine stopped working, Kerry had to find a substitute-- a hair dryer! Needless to say, the hair dryer did not last very long.

Brenda Foley Melton

July 20, 2013

I would like to thank everyone so much for these kind words! it is comforting to see such a pattern..Speaking of.. Her love of life with friends and family. Her joy of life! her impact!! Although there aren't words to speak, y'all have spoken them!!! Thank You!!! I miss my world & my life (My Mama)!
All my love, Robin

May 28, 2013

To Nana and Kerry' daughter's
At this time of sadness when words can't tell you all that our hearts would say.... Juan & Luis Ramirez and Mercedes Nicklien ( their mother)

March 12, 2013

Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all, family and friends. Bill and I will forever be grateful for Kerry and the biggest, bestest, most wonderful trip to Africa.

Elizabeth Simms

March 6, 2013

Kerry and I met in 1988 when our husbands joined the Cincinnati Chapter of YPO and we became members of the Spousal Forum C....forever known in our hearts as "Fabulous Forum C!" Monthly meetings for 11 years offered many unique opportunities for sharing, growth and education. We REALLY got to know each other well and shared many wonderful activities. After 1999, when many of us got past the mandatory "rock-out age," our Forum continued to meet "unofficially" as a book club group - studying "reference" books on art, world history, world leaders and many other topics. A special outgrowth of this study group were the four "traveling Ya Ya's" as we called ourselves! Oh, the stories of adventure, education and traveling fun we could tell! Let us just say that Kerry always suggested interesting sights to visit and activities to engage the four of us! As always, these experiences were delightful, what many would call "over the top," but most of all, enjoyable! WE HAD FUN! And we will all sorely miss her adventuresome spirit, her flair for the dramatic, her kindness to all, and her love of those near and dear to her heart.

Kerry was a "one of a kind" individual...generous and loving to her family and with her friends. She will stay in our hearts forever.

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Thomas Campbell, "Hallowed Ground"

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Unknown

With thankfulness for the privilege of her friendship,

Marty

Marty Humes

March 5, 2013

Marty

March 4, 2013

I remember all the fun times Denis and I had with you..So many wonderful memories. xx

Janet Wood

March 1, 2013

Kerry

When I first met Kerry years ago, I was simply amazed that a person like her existed! She astonished me in her style and exuberance for life. Everything she did was to such perfection from her art work, decor, style, business sense and with such elegance.

I still have her Christmas cards from the late 1980's and early 1990's which she printed of her family portraits and included Robin and Anastasia's artwork. This was before the computer and making one's own Christmas cards was in vogue.

I am so grateful to Kerry for helping me collect Louis Icarts and for framing them in exquisitely. She had a sharp business sense. She had wonderful receptions at her Objet d'Art. She and Dane had the most special event at their home using staged actors and then sent photos to everyone who attended. I now she even invited the opera guild to their New Bremen home when she was on the board.

Kerry loved and cared for her family the most. Her children Anastasia, Robin, Ashton and Christopher were her priority before all else.

She loved animals and even made sure we included our dalmation when we visited.

There can never be another Kerry Dicke! She could make everyone feel special. I am truly grateful I was touched by her kind generous spirit and friendship.

For the family, Mrs. Sexton, and Dane you have our deepest sympathy and love.



Samia Borchers, MD

Samia Borchers

March 1, 2013

Kerry was unique , kind , extravagant , classy , RIP . Love Brent

Brent Bauer

February 28, 2013

Mrs. Dicke, as she will always be known to me, despite her requests to be called Kerry. My children knew her as Gaga. She asked them to stand on her wall and measure their heights. She said, "I'm doing this only if you promise you will come back and visit me." I wish we had that chance and it's my fault for not taking it. I don't think I have ever been treated so generously and been so loved by one person who wasn't my parent. I don't think I have known a person who lit up a room with her laugh, her glasses, her sense of humor and grace all rolled up into one. She always welcomed me with open arms and never closed her door to me. Neither have her daughters and for this I am eternally grateful. People should be so lucky to have a "Kerry Dicke" in their lives. Still, I have trouble realizing that we are without her fantastic sense of style and appropriateness for cocktail hour. I will miss her, personally. I know her son & daughters will miss her more; for this my heart aches. But I will do my best, as she would want, to be a good friend and stand by their sides and make them laugh the way she did me. To open my door and my heart and return whatever favor I can. This is what I can do for her.

Katie Schooley-Fair

February 27, 2013

Kerry is my mother. She is my love. My foundation. My kindness. My fire. My generosity. My tenacity. My example!
She has been the teacher of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE!
Not only the type that a mother shows her children.
She has always found understanding & love for even those with whom she was unable to continue to share her life.

Mama taught me of love, understanding and humility .

I'm sure if you know her, you know these things as well.


Mama,
I love you as far as my arms can extend & as hard as i can squeeze!!! I will never and never have ever wanted to be able to call anyone else my MAMA!
Thank you! (on behalf of all that "get" you)
-your self-proclaimed biggest fan, Robin Allegra Dicke

February 26, 2013

What is Death?....

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I, and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are

Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me

Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was
Let it be spoken without affect
Without a trace of a shadow on it
It is the same as it ever was

There is an absolutely unbroken continuity

Why should I be out of mind?
Because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you

For an interval

Somewhere very near

Just around the corner....

All Is Well.
-Henry Scott Holland

February 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at such a difficult time. My memories of Kerry date way back to my elementary school years in New Bremen and my friendhip with Anastasia, who we all knew as "Stacey". What a kind and generous woman full of energy and love. I can remember vividly our girl scout meetings at her house..what a great mother and beautiful woman!

February 25, 2013

Kerry and I have been friends since childhood. She has always been there for me. I will miss her so much. I had the honor to be with her after surgery and with her family after her death. Her children are like mine, and of course Linda too. I loved her like a sister and she will be missed everyday.

Patti Goforth

February 21, 2013

Kerry was always "Aunt Kerry and Uncle Dane" to me, The girls were always my "cousins", and Nana was always my grandmother. I never knew any different. Although it has been many years since I've been there, we spent lots of times in Ohio. My mother is truly blessed to have had a friend for life. For many years my moms wedding picture of she and Kerry hung in my grandparents bathroom. Now it sits in the drawer but it always reminds me how lucky they were to be friends... Even all these years later. Im so very glad my mother and i got to be a part of the spreading of some ashes with the family. Kerry will be truly missed... And there will be lots of kitties needing a home! So go adopt a kitty in Kerry's honor! She would love that!

Emily Goforth-Lowe

February 21, 2013

Even though I was there with her loved ones that fateful time in Texas, I am still struggling to believe she is really gone. I was so blessed to have her as my second mother and dearest of friends. My children desperately miss their "Gaga" and request bedtime stories about her nightly. I must admit that she has given me some incredible material with which to work. I can only attempt to express the dramatic flare and genuine feeling she had when she was with them. Thank you Kerry for all of the love, time and unwavering care you always bestowed upon me, Michael and the children. We miss you.

Linda White Tinsley

February 21, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your famly. Kerry was a charismatic & giving person who had a passion for life and will be sadly missed. It was a privilege to know her. I'm sure she'll be watching over her children from heaven.

Laura Anderson

February 21, 2013

Nana thanks you, our friends and children and grandchildren thank you and even the kitties thank you. I trust that Kerry thanks you too. The fact of her passing is overwhelming to the point of incomprehensiblity. It just hasn't sunk in. Your expressions of love speak volumes to our hearts. There will be gatherings in Pensacola and Dayton. Check back here for details or subscribe to guest book additions. Love to all!

Dane Dicke

February 20, 2013

-------She Was-------
She was:
Color

She was:
Erte and Icart
Worhol and Max

She was:
Chartreuse and Leopard
She was never beige

She was:
Black and White
Houndstooth and Zebra
She was never plaid

She was a straight shooter
She could cut to the deal
She could spot a crooked picture
She could see a line out of square

She was:
Ossetra, Perrier Jouet,
and Bal, a Versaille

She was:
Vodka on ice
A tall glass of tea,
"No lemon and lots and lots of ice"

She was:
Mushroom compost
Earthworms and sand

She was:
Dirt on her hands

She was:
A Steel Magnolia
Betty Davis "Fasten your seat belts...
It's going to be a bumpy night"

We were:

An expressionist painting
full of texture and light

with staccoto's and dollops,
a fauvists
delight

We were:

Never diluted but,
god were we bright


She was:
Lots and lots of baggage
Rushing and running
and keeping up deadlines

She was:
The calm or the storm

She was:
Just Kerry to me,
I don't really know if she ever
owned her own last name

She was:
My friend

We were:
Complimentary colors
We were

------The Beach Scene------

She was:
A portrait
composed on a colbalt blue sofa
grounded on Mexican tile

She said:
"Come, Sit,
for once we have time
come sit next to me for a while

She pointed:
"See that man in the painting?"
She asked,
"He was you, and you were so young and tan, wearing your white teeshirt and white drawstrings, she said, and that was me in Dane's billowing dress shirt with my straw hat in my hand

We were walking toward the golden sun that was us, leaving lavender prints in the sand

I remember:
The Gulf was striped that day,Azure, Thalo,and Ultra Marine Blue

The sand was stifling white, I didn't know what to do

She was:
Pensive

She was:
Quiet

She was:
Cool and so much more than
kind

She was:
Following
me
down
the
staircase

Carring my heavy baggage this time

She was:
Following
from
behind

And so,
I headed North
to the cold, cold North
into that cool Northern
light
Then the canvas went blank
And the canvas went
White

Dear Kerry:
I'm sorry, but I must post this disclaimer:
All events in this story are true
and that there where no fictitious characters in this drama it was me and you

PS:
I really hate to end this
letter, Kerry, but, I really can't let you go
without letting you know
"I LOVED YOU SO"
Bye

Denis Bruss, Springboro, Ohio

--------FINI--------

February 19, 2013

Kerry and I were best friends at Trinity University. She was such a blessing to me and, no doubt, to all who knew her.
After I graduated from Trinity and then married and moved to California, Kerry "adopted" my parents- and they adopted her, spending time together often.
She was such a treasured friend and will be missed by all- and remembered forever.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Kerry's children, her mother, and the rest of her family.
Kerry, know that you will be missed so much. By me, and all who were lucky enough to know you.
With love always,
Cathy (Welty) Parks
Scott Parks (Cathy's husband)
Patricia Welty (Cathy's mother)

February 18, 2013

Kerry was an amazing woman she shared her life without hesitation, she entertained with deep enthusiasm making sure all were blessed in their own way! Her ideas were endless and so enlightened, her confidence was so much fun to be around. I have mountains of memories to hold me until I can see her again!!! My heart goes out to all those that loved her as I did! NaNa, Anastasia, Robin Ashton, and Christopher what an inspiration for all of you, may God Bless you through your sadness. All my love! Sheila

Sheila Hirschfeld

February 18, 2013

Sadly, I only met Kerry once, but she opened her home to me for a week long visit and I felt as if I had been a life long member of her family. Truly one of a kind!!!!
She will, (and is), truly missed.

Lyndanne Mattox

February 18, 2013

Conrad and I were so shocked when we heard of Kerry's passing.She always welcomed us in her life and we spent our last night in Dayton before we moved to Tampa with Kerry. Wonderful memories.
We hope that Nonna, the Girls, and the Grandchildren can overcome your sorrow. Kerry was a great lady.

love,

Karen and Conrad Perry

February 18, 2013

I count it a privilege and a blessing from God to have known Kerry. She was such a lovely lady full of life and love for her family and others. I will treasure quiet moments of sharing scripture with her. What joy it brought to her heart and mine! I extend my deepest sympathies to her precious family. I'm praying that our Lord, who loves you all so dearly, will speak blessings and comfort to your heart in the coming days.

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Karen Stacy

February 15, 2013

I am so sorry to learn about Kerry's passing. She was genuinely fabulous and always down to earth. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

God Bless,
Rhonda Johnson

Rhonda Johnson

February 15, 2013

I will truly miss Kerry and alway keep her in my hart ,I could alway count on her as a friend and someone that was always there for me when I need a friend . Michael Johnson

February 15, 2013

Our family shared a special bond with Kerry, Robin, and Chris on a once in a lifetime African adventure with a one of a kind lady and her beautiful children. We feel blessed and honored to have been considered her friends. Making that trip myself someday will be easier for me knowing she will be there when I arrive, welcoming me with her fabulous hospitality, warmth, and love as she did here on earth. Kerry you will be forever missed. Our deepest sympathies to her mother and her children, and her beloved grandchildren. Love Kerry Runyeon and family

Kerry Runyeon

February 15, 2013

Chip and I send our deepest sympathy to all the family. Kerry and I were young wives and mothers together-- long ago and far away. We had great fun and learned many things; her energy could power a party or a cause. I'm sure she'll have heaven whipped into shape in no time. Your loss and sorrow are shared by many. -Deb Bok

Deb Bok

February 14, 2013

truly unbelievable!! as she and i spoke the day before she left for ft worth! she was (is) 1 of the most beautiful women you would ever meet, so giving, loving and 1000% committed to family~and not a bad cook either!!she will be certainly missed by all who knew her! god bless! larry jaffe

larry jaffe

February 14, 2013

Kerry was one of the best people I had The opportunity to work for in my career with her many projects bringing challenges to start and an awe
of wonder when they where finished she will be Greatly Missed by all

Jeff Weigandt

February 14, 2013

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