Claris Ruth Ford Dickey, age 95, passed away at Eastland Retirement Community on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014. She had previously lived in her farm home near Pawnee until Aug. 17, 2014. Claris was born Dec. 5, 1918 in Mt. Vernon, Ill. the daughter of Charles "Jack" and Lena Ruth Highsmith Ford. She married David W. Dickey in 1937 where they lived for a short time on a farm west of Thayer. Claris and David celebrated 65 years of marriage on February 14, 2002, two weeks before his death. She was preceded by her parents, husband, David; sisters, Mary Ellen Ford, Ada Dickey, Charleen Ford, and brother, Glenn Ford. Claris is survived by five sons; David (Lois) Dickey of Rochester, Ron (Lois) Dickey of Skytop, Pennsylvania, Dennis (Sally) Dickey, of Chatham, Dean Dickey of Rochester, Steve (Kathy) Dickey of Downer's Grove and one daughter, Nancy (Renee) Dickey Oliver of Pawnee. She was the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren and great-grandmother of nine children. She is also survived by one sister, Lena Faye (Leslie) Taylor of Wayne City, Ill. Additionally she had many nieces and nephews. Claris was the epitome of the farmer's wife: in the earlier years she managed to keep a home, raise a garden, milk a cow and keep chickens all in addition to helping her husband farm with a team of horses. She often sold eggs, cream and hens for extra income. As time progressed, she was able to dry the clothing in a dryer, rather than on an outside line. She could also go to market and buy a chicken rather than wringing a chicken's neck when company came. She looked forward to holidays when all the family came home to celebrate. No matter the age, young or old, the holidays meant going to Grandma Dickey's home. She didn't want to leave the farm she loved. When she could no longer care for gardens or flower beds, she was content to sit in her chair and admire them. When she lost her sight and hearing, her needs became too much to stay on the farm alone. She was at Eastland for only six days. She had a life most of us read about in a book. She left her family a legacy to remember. Claris's family will meet friends on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Pawnee United Methodist Church. The Rev. Chuck Kurfman will officiate. Burial will be at Stout Cemetery. All memorial gifts honoring Claris are asked to be given to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P. O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee, Ill., is serving the family of Claris Dickey. Service: 11 a.m. Monday Aug. 25, 2014 Pawnee United Methodist Church Visitation: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Monday Aug. 25, 2014 Pawnee United Methodist Church