Elaine "Ellie" Amelia Dickie

Elaine was born on February 5, 1927 in Bostwick, Nebraska. She grew up alongside her older sister, Leota, and later welcomed a younger sister, Dolores, born three years after her. The family later moved to Deshler, Nebraska, where Elaine spent much of her childhood and attended Lutheran school.

In 1943, Elaine’s family moved to Southern California and where she attended and graduated from Washington High School. As a young woman, she worked at a sweet shop next to a theater and later at Pacific Telephone. She walked 4 blocks to work each day after venturing out on her own at 18.

One night, Elaine and her friend went to a dance where a lot of servicemen were. She met a handsome sailor named Ross Dickie who she danced with all evening. After a year of dating, they were married in 1947 in Santa Monica. Together they built a life centered on love and family. They lived in Maywood, California, where their daughter Wendy was born in 1949 and later in Whittier, California, where their son Keith was born in 1951. After nine years, the family moved and put down roots in Anaheim, where they lived for the next 30 years.

Following Ross’s retirement in 1988, Elaine and Ross relocated to Fresno, California to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They bought a lot at Woodward Lake and built their forever home. They became active members at Fort Washington Country Club and became involved in their church community. Elaine and Ross enjoyed golfing, bowling in League Play for 12 years, traveling, cruising and spending time with family and dear friends. In April 1997, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family, friends and a whole lot of love.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ross in 2004.

Elaine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wayne and Wendy Woods, and her son and daughter -in-law, Keith and Joyce Dickie. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan and Natalie Woods, Erik and Sara Woods, Matt and Summer Dickie and Keri and Josh Winnett. Elaine was the proud and loving great-grandmother of Mikeely Woods, Kaelyn Woods, Austin Woods, Emma Woods, Aiden Dickie, Mason Dickie and Olivia Winnett.

Elaine will be remembered for her warmth, strength, devotion to family and steadfast faith and love for the Lord. Her legacy lives on through the generations she loved so deeply and the many lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 26 at 11:00 am at New Covenant Community Church on Nees Avenue in Fresno, California.