Mary Lu Rickard's Obituary
Mary Lu Rickard, age 77, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father at her home in Fruitport, Michigan on February 6, 2024, surrounded by the comfort of her family after a long battle with cancer. She was born August 9, 1946 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Tillman Dickson, Sr. and Mary (Wilson) Dickson. Mary Lu went to Greenwood Elementary, graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1964, where she was proud to be a Troubadour, and majored in Home Economics at Henderson State University. On August 20, 1965, she married her high school sweetheart, David Rickard. Together, they enjoyed 58½ years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, serving God together and the joy of raising two children. A loving homemaker, Mary Lu was a skilled and creative cook who also took pleasure in artistic pursuits, including arts and crafts. She shared her vocal ministry gifts in church choirs and worship teams and delighted in supporting her local church and other Christian ministries. Mary Lu was a true prayer warrior and served her Lord faithfully, personifying the attributes of the Proverbs 31:10-31 woman in every way. Above all, she was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, adored by her family for her warmth, generosity, and creative spirit.
Mary Lu's legacy of love and kindness lives on through her family: her husband, David; daughter, Patina “Tina” (Rick) Cousineau; son, Jason; three granddaughters, Chara (Jeff) McMinn, Gwendolyn (Mitchell) Moore, and Lindsay (Aaron) Sanderson; two great-granddaughters, Ashlan Sanderson and Isla Moore; two great-grandsons, Walker Moore and Keith Sanderson, all of Michigan. She is also survived by her younger brother, Philip Dickson; aunt, Hettie Lue Brooks; and sister-in-law, Carol Dickson, all of Hot Springs, Arkansas, along with many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends. Mary Lu was preceded in death by her parents and older brother, Tillman Dickson, Jr.
She will be deeply missed but eternally cherished by all who knew her. Feel free to share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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