Dickens, Vera F.

DICKENS, GIRDNER, OFFICER

Posted By: Ken Baker (email)
Date: 10/19/2023 at 15:18:26

Mt. Ayr Record News 4 27 1967

VERA F. DICKENS

Vera F. Dickens, daughter of V. H. Dickens and Alta Girdner Dickens, was born May 25, 1896, at Mercer, Mo., and departed this life April 27, 1967, in Mount Ayr, at the age of 70 years, 11 months and two days.

A graduate of the Diagonal high school and Simpson College, Indianola, Miss Dickens taught in the Diagonal, Centerville and Mount Ayr high schools and for 31 years served as Ringgold county superintendent of schools.

Dec. 7, 1965 was proclaimed "Vera Dickens Day" in her honor. Ill health forced her retirement shortly afterward and most of the last year and half has been spent in the hospital and Clearview Home.

She was a member of the Methodist church, Eastern Star, PEO, Daughters of the American Revolution, Pi Beta Phi and American Association of University Women and a life member of the National Education association. She gave a life of service and bore her illness and suffering with patience and reconciliation.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Left to mourn her departure are a brother, Joseph H. Dickens, of Des Moines; a sister Mrs. W. B. Officer of Pleasantville; three nieces and three nephews.

Funeral services were held April 30, from the Diagonal Methodist church, conducted by the Rev. George McMullen. Music was provided by Mrs. Freeman Rief and Mrs. Arnold Kessler, vocalists and Mrs. Claire Newton, oreganist. Casket bearers were E. M. Watson, John D. Warin, Bernard Sobotka, Kenneth Morow, Jay Snyder and James Carver. Interment was in the Diagonal Cemetery.

Relatives from a distance who attended the services were Dr. C. D. Bloomington, Minn.; Commander W. B. Officer, Jr. , Washington, D. C.; Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Duncan, Fayetteville, Ark.; Mrs. Donald Phillips, Topeka, Kan.; Dr. and Mrs. James H. Dickens and family and Mrs. and Mrs Joseph H. Dickens, Des Moines, and Joseph Davis and Ethelyn Davis, Lineville. Dick Rasmussen of Walla Walla, Wash., who is studying in Europe, and Mrs. Rasmussen were unable to attend.