Ila Rae Dickey

Ila Rae Dickey, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 13th, 2025. Born on August 30, 1932, on a farm near West Plains, Missouri, to Basil and Doris Anderson, Ila was the eldest of four siblings. She graduated from West Plains High School in 1950 and soon after moved to Denver, Colorado, with a close friend. It was there that she met the love of her life, Perry Dickey, on a blind date. The two were married on March 23, 1953, embarking on a remarkable journey together that spanned over seven decades. Ila and Perry raised three children—Brad, Mark, and Susan—while moving across the country before settling in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A devoted wife and mother, Ila was also a talented homemaker who crafted most of her children’s clothing during their early years. She had a knack for sewing name tags in her children’s clothing, as evidenced by the fact that they still haven’t lost some of them to this day. She was an accomplished albeit self-taught barber. Her passion for gardening led her to become an active member of the Good Earth Garden Club in Bartlesville, where she served as president for several years. She was also part of the inaugural OSU Extension Master Gardener class in Washington County, sharing her love of plants and nature with her community (except for the squirrels who frequented her yard, with whom she was in constant battle). Originally uneasy around water, she joined her family in learning to water ski and became an accomplished white-water canoeist (She was less than pleased, however, with the canoe she received as a gift on her birthday). Ila and Perry were longtime members of the Tulsa Canoe and Camping Club, traveling extensively throughout the US, camping and wearing out several motor homes. In retirement, Ila and Perry embraced their adventurous spirits by traveling the world together, visiting many countries on every continent except Antarctica. Ila will be remembered for her strength, creativity, and dedication to her family and community. She is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Perry Dickey; her children Brad (Amy) of Bartlesville, Mark (Ellen) of North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Susan Langston (Kevin) of Liberty Hill, Texas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two of her three siblings, Lyle Anderson (Peggy) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Letty Parrott of West Plains, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Eula Rowden, her brother-in-law Bob Rowden, and her brother-in-law David Parrott. A wonderful cook and gardener with an eye for beauty in both life and nature, Ila’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Memorial services will be held at 10 am Saturday, February 22, at the Green Country Village Chapel. 1025 Swan Drive Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.

Ila Rae Dickey

August 30, 1932 - February 13, 2025