Ellen Sue Dickey, 70, of Elkhart, passed away at the Center for Hospice, Esther's House in Elkhart on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, after a courageous battle with Cancer. She was born on July 29, 1954, in Granite City, IL to Donald and Beulah "Boo" (Harding) Gauen.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Lois Ganz. She is survived by her loving husband, Samuel "Sam" P. Dickey, whom she married on August 12, 1978. They shared exactly 46 years and 48 minutes by each other's side. Ellen is also survived by her sons, Luke (Adrienne) Dickey and Ben (Heather) Dickey; grandchildren, Grace Dickey, Wyatt Dickey, Ethan Dickey, Sarah Dickey, Aidan Dickey and Joshua Shoup; sisters, Barbara Ridenhower, Mary Speidel, and Nancy Norris; brother, Robert "Bob" Gauen; and nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Charles, Adrienne, Jamie, Mallory, Audrey, and Maddie.

Cremation was chosen and visitation will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart.  A service will follow the visitation at 5:00 p.m. with Deacon Jim Fuchs of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church to officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 and St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 North Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Ellen was an independent and caring mother and grandmother who always stayed optimistic with a smile on her face despite adversity. She worked at Elkhart General Hospital in medical insurance and data entry for several years and was a member of St. Thomas. Ellen enjoyed crafting, especially knitting and crocheting. She made blankets for the grandchildren who asked for them.

Her grandchildren and children meant the world to her. When her sons were growing up, she enjoyed leading and helping her sons through the Boy Scouts. Camping with the boys was something she appreciated since she often learned new skills and picked up on them quickly. When she had her grandchildren, she enjoyed going to all their special events. Ellen loved to support and cheer on her boys, grandchildren, and husband with all their endeavors. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School
1331 N. Main St., Elkhart IN 46514
Tel: 1-574-264-4855
Web: http://www.stelkhart.com

American Cancer Society
PO Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741
Tel: 1-800-227-2345
Web: https://www.cancer.org/