Elaine L. Dickinson, of Kalamazoo, was welcomed into her heavenly home and into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born on March 14th, 1928, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of Dee and Nellie (Buys) Waling. Elaine graduated from Richland High School and was a devoted member of New Hope Church in Richland, Michigan.

On October 29th, 1965, Elaine was united in marriage to Jerry Dickinson, the love of her life. They shared 44 wonderful years together, filled with cherished memories. They especially loved traveling up north to watch the ships in Sault Ste. Marie and spending time in South Haven, where they would sit for hours watching the boats come and go along the Black River. Elaine found great joy in listening to Jerry play his music, and she often expressed how much she truly missed him.

Elaine loved her family and friends deeply, and she felt their love in return. The highlight of her days was spending quality time with them—sharing stories, laughter, and cherished memories. Her beloved pets brought her immense joy and comfort, especially in the later years of her life. She found peace and beauty in her flower garden, particularly her roses, and took great delight in bird watching from her porch on warm, sunny days.

To those who knew Elaine best, it was known that she was a faithful prayer warrior, always willing to pray for anyone in need. She was a woman of great faith. God’s word was a constant source of comfort to her, and her Bible was never far from reach—often found open in her hands as she read with quiet devotion. Passing on her legacy of faith and the message of salvation in Jesus Christ was her greatest desire. Her hope rested fully in Him, and she longed for others to know the peace and promise she found in her Savior.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry; her parents, Dee and Nellie Waling; and her brother, Leon Waling.

She is survived by two daughters, Joy (Bob) Cox and Julie (Andy) Casey; and Linda (Lloyd) Waling, whom Elaine lovingly called her third daughter. Also surviving are four grandsons—Aaron (Jen) Cox, Austin (Jenna) Cox, Bruce (Denise) Wheatley, and Brian Wheatley—five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the aides, Susie and Lisa, for their dependability and the incredible love and care they gave to our beloved mom and grandma over the past several years.