Ardath L. Dickey

Ardath spent most of her life in Daviess County. She was born on Feb. 24, 1919, to John and Flora Belle (Buck) Lehr in Weatherby. She spent her early years in Winston, Jamesport and Trenton.

She taught in a one room schoolhouse as a young adult and worked in a bank in St. Joseph until her marriage.

On Oct. 17, 1948, she married John W. Dickey, Jr. They settled in Gallatin where they had four children. In 1965, John died suddenly and left Ardath to raise her young family. She worked in the Gallatin Post office as postmistress and postal clerk until her retirement after 18 years of service in 1981.

She was active in the Presbyterian Church in Gallatin and served as organist and pianist for many years. She belonged to the PEO, Eastern Star, and Bridge Club.

She will be remembered most for her beautiful smile, contagious laughter and kind spirit. She had a mechanical toy collection which was enjoyed by both young and old. She continued to enjoy her toys and to play the piano well into her retirement years. She moved to be near her son Jim and his family 14 years ago, but always loved visits from her family and friends.

Ardath was preceded in death by her parents, Flora Belle and John, and her brother, Troy Lehr.

Survivors are her children, George, Jim, Pat and Mary Beth; 14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services are scheduled at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007, at Hillcrest Cemetery with visitation one hour prior to the service at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Friends may call after noon on Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gallatin Presbyterian Church.