Norma Jean Dicks

Norma Jean Simms Dicks, 87, a resident of Strabane Woods, in Washington, went to be with her Lord on March 16, 2018, in HCR Manor Care, McMurray. She was born on December 29, 1930, in Taylorstown, a daughter of the late Edward and Hazel Westfall Simms. Jean was a graduate of Claysville High School, and was a member of Trinity Church. She worked for Olan Mills, and Trinity High School Library. She loved to do jigsaw puzzles, and play bingo.  As an Army wife, she traveled the world for twenty-three years with her husband, and learned to make dolls, do flower arranging, and appreciate different cultures. On February 5, 1949, she married Francis A. Dicks, who passed away on September 21, 2011. Surviving are three daughters, Bonnie (Randall) Matlow, of Delaware, OH, Janice (William) Messmer, of Washington, and Carolyn Frances, of Wesley Chapel, FL; a sister-in-law, Martha Ashmore, wife of the late Harold Simms; nine grandchildren, Dylan (Lisa) Matlow, Anna Messmer (Tim Stewart), Jennifer (Albert) Parish, Jon Messmer, Mary (Jacob) Mastren-Williams, Robert (Jeannette) Messmer, Nathan (Jessica) Reichner, Patrick (Amelia) Reichner, and Alan Reichner; eight great grandchildren, Aurelia Matlow, Pamela (Preston) Miller, Tyler Stewart, Christian Messmer, Olivia Mastren-Williams, Jonah Mastren-Williams, Bailey Messmer, and Owen Messmer; as well as several nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, Edward “Sonny” (Marilyn) Simms, Jr. and Harold “Shorty” Simms; and four sisters, Marie (John) Stanley, Estella (Norman) Murray, Betty (William) Larkin and Theda Svitek. She was also close to the staff of Strabane Woods, where she lived for six years, and her church family at Trinity Church. Friends will be received on Monday, March 19, from 2 to 5 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m., in Trinity Church, 550 S. Main St., Washington, PA, where services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 20, with Rev. Karen B. Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA.