Sandra Dickinson

Sandra Kay Dickinson, age 84, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on December 11, 2024. She was born on July 11, 1940, in Franklin, Indiana, to John and Margaret (McGinnis) Ingle. Known to those who loved her as “Kay,” she spent her formative years in Franklin, Indiana, where she received her bachelor’s degree from Franklin College. She went on to pursue her master’s degree in social work at the University of Indiana, where she met and married the love of her life, Carroll A. Dickinson.

Kay had a zest for life, particularly when it came to sports. A lifelong and devoted fan of Indiana Hoosier basketball, her passion for the game was infectious. Her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport made every conversation with her full of energy and excitement. Kay’s love for the game was only rivaled by her dedication to her work. She enjoyed bowling and holiday family get togethers, cooking large traditional family meals. She was a passionate skillful bridge player who found joy in the game.

For over 40 years, Kay made an immense impact as a Licensed Social Worker in Calhoun County, as well as the Children’s Psychiatric Unit and the Delano Mental Health Clinic at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She also worked as a private practice therapist with Child & Family Psychological Services. Her career was marked by her compassion, care, and commitment to helping others through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Kay leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and a deep commitment to family. She is survived by her son, James (Pamela) Dickinson of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and daughter-in-law Vicki Dickinson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Melba Ruiz of Fayetteville North Carolina. Her cousin Karen Harden of Franklin, Indiana. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Renee Dickinson of Battle Creek, Michigan; Michele Dickinson of Galesburg, Michigan; Dr. Carmen (Darrell) Dickinson-Copeland of Atlanta, Georgia; Zunilda Ruiz-Dickinson of Oswego, New York; Ashleigh Tillman of Chicago, Illinois; Darrell (Lisa) Morris of Lawton, Oklahoma; and Glorygrace Dickinson of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, including Linda Kendrix-Burroughs, Deborah Dickinson, Steven Dickinson, and Jesshelen Dickinson. Kay was a proud great-grandmother to D’Shey and La’Nay White, Trenton and Zoe Ruiz, Nick Carlisle, Ebony, Imani, Brianna Morris, Brandon Dickinson, Abigail Dickinson, and Anaya and Michael Copeland. Additionally, she leaves behind her dear family friend Lynn Reuter and her special lifelong friend Joanna Goldman.

Kay’s care was lovingly provided by Linda Bennett, Terri Ash and Monica Hendershott who were her dedicated caregivers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Carroll Dickinson, her son Michael Dickinson I, her brother John Ingle Jr., her grandson SSG Michael Dickinson II, her granddaughter in love Mittie Carlisle, and her special adopted daughter Orianne Lemay.

A visitation to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Langland Family Funeral Homes Memorial Location, 622 South Burdick, Kalamazoo, Michigan, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. 

Kay’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain in the stories shared and the lives she shaped.

Please share memories with her family at www.langelands.com