Marilyn Dickens (Dillard) Obituary

Marilyn Dickens (Dillard) attended C.K. McClatchy High School in Sacramento, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Marilyn Dickens (dillard).

Graduation Year	Class of 1962
Date of Passing	Mar 18, 2007
About	Marilyn Dickens, 62, died on March 18th at peace in her home in Oak Harbor, Washington. She died of complications from cancer. Marilyn was born on October 11, 1944 to Glenn and Lydia Dillard in Sacramento, California. In 1967, she married Ernie Dickens and together they raised two children, Wendy and Justin. Marilyn graduated from McClatchy High School in 1962 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon and a Master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She started her career in teaching in 1966 and continued to educate until her retirement in 2003. During her career, she taught nine different grade levels and many different subject areas. She was also selected to serve for many years on state and national committees developing standardized mathematics tests. Marilyn and her family lived in many different places including Del Rio, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Ukiah, San Anselmo, and Oak Harbor. In Ukiah, she became involved with a number of community organizations and projects. She served as the President of the Ukiah chapter of the American Association of University Women and served a couple of years as a member of the Ukiah City Council. Upon moving to Oak Harbor, Marilyn joined the First United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. She was active with the Fidalgo Island Quilters, the Deception Pass Sail & Power Squadron, the Oak Harbor Yacht Club, and the Whidbey Golf & Country Club. She became a Master Gardener and developed strong interests in bird watching and watercolor painting. She has always been an avid reader and card player. Marilyn loved to travel and was able to tour Europe four times. Her favorite places were Paris, Switzerland, Venice, Tuscany, Provence, and Scotland. She also greatly enjoyed vacationing at many places in Mexico and in Tikal, Guatemala, as well. In recent years, she had come to love cruising to Alaska and touring throughout Canada, from Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ernie Dickens; her daughter Wendy Chenkovich; her son Justin Dickens; her son-in-law Paul Chenkovich; and her grandchildren, Alex and Ella Chenkovich. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Skagit Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor on Monday, April 2nd at 1 pm. It is also anticipated that another remembrance event will be held in Sacramento in May. Those interested in attending the Sacramento gathering are requested to contact Ernie Dickens or Wendy Chenkovich so they may keep you informed as details are finalized. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor (www.ohfumc.org); Skagit Hospice (www.skagithospicefoundation.com); or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through her son’s participation in Team-in-Training (www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/JDickens_tnt07).