Ruth Leanne Dickey

Leanne Dickey March 15, 1952 – September 27, 2024 

Leanne Dickey, age 72, passed away peacefully at Hospice Care Center on September 27, 2024. Born on March 15, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Leanne was the beloved daughter of Lee Arden and Ruth Mary Dugdale. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Irv Dickey,

 Leanne’s legacy of love and care lives on through her family. She is survived by her daughters Elisa Love (Kevin), Kara Sotelo (Ivan), and Lauren Carmack (Clayton); her bonus son and nephew Brent Retallack (Rebecca); her brother Steven Dugdale (Juanita); and her cherished grandchildren Rhys, Dylan, Taylor, Lola, Ava, Amelia, Eli, Niko, and her bonus grandson Charlie.

 At the age of five, Leanne moved with her family to Grand Junction, Colorado, where she later graduated from Grand Junction High School and Mesa Junior College. In 1981, she married Irv Dickey, beginning a partnership that spanned 35 years until his passing in 2016. That same year, Leanne achieved a personal milestone, earning her Registered Nurse (RN) certification after years of service as an LPN and CNA. Over the next four decades, she dedicated herself to caregiving, working at St. Mary’s pediatrics unit, the Alzheimer’s unit at Family Health West, and as Director of Nursing at Mantey Heights Rehabilitation Center. Yet, her greatest fulfillment came from her work at Hilltop’s Lifestyle Adjustment Program and mentoring Clinical Nursing students, helping them embark on their own nursing careers.

 Leanne’s passions were as varied as they were heartfelt. She loved quilting, crafting, gardening, baking bread, and making jam. She found joy in watching old movies and British television, tending to her yard, and embracing life's simple pleasures. But above all, Leanne loved being a mother and grandmother, finding immense pride and joy in her family. Her gentle spirit, warmth, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

A memorial service will be held on October 12th at the First Congregational United Church of Christ at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to HopeWest in Leanne’s memory.