Richard (Dick) Allison Ives passed away peacefully at his residence in Decatur, MI in the early morning of Saturday, April 27, 2024. For years Dick dealt with Parkinson’s and, more recently, with cancer since the summer of 2023.
The second of five children, he was born to Ivan (Tubby) Rex Ives and Iris Elaine (Newell) Ives on January 29, 1942, in Decatur, MI. They preceded him in death as did Dick’s siblings Betty (Terry) Turk and Barney Ives. Sisters Connie (Bob) Johnson, Sandy (Kim) Hull and sister-in-law Pat Ives survive and all live in Decatur, MI.
Dick was a lifelong resident of Decatur and graduated from Decatur High School in 1960. Thereafter, he attended Ferris State College in Big Rapids, MI and was awarded a degree that led him to the field of public health. His professional career began with the Cass County Public Health Department and Berrien County Public Health Department. In 1975, he was hired by Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, MI and moved his family to DeWitt, MI. After 25 years of service with MSU, Dick retired in 2000 from his final position as Public Health Officer.
On June 13, 1964, Dick and his high school sweetheart Catherine (Cathy) Anne LeDuc exchanged vows at Holy Family Catholic Church in Decatur, MI. Their marriage spanned 50 years until Cathy passed away in February 2015. Dick and Cathy enjoyed many extensive family trips, including Europe, Hawaii, and multiple US states. They made countless trips between their residences in DeWitt and Decatur to enjoy time with friends and family. They were blessed with three children: Beth Barber (Chuck Gower), North Myrtle Beach, SC; Lisa Ives (Scott Buhrer), Peoria, AZ and MI; and James (Danielle) Ives, DeWitt, MI. Also, they were extremely grateful for their grandchildren Maggie Barber, Shay Barber (Averie Harris), Carter Ives and Josie Ives. Dick received much love, support and years of friendship from Cathy’s brothers and sisters Rollon LeDuc, Carole (Lou) Bloch, Clara LeDuc, Evan LeDuc and Mary (Bruce) Wiersema. Preceding him in death were Peg LeDuc and Joe LeDuc. He is also survived by his cousin, best friend and best man, Bill Fox. He was also known as Uncle Dick to numerous loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dick enjoyed spending as much time as possible with family and friends, traveling, hunting and boating. He was very social and typifies the term “likeable.” Kind, gentle, good hearted, never seeking the limelight, not one to hold grudges, favorably remembered by anyone he met, didn’t take himself too seriously and self-deprecating, and considerate son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend to all.
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