Margaret went to paint sunsets in heaven. She slipped away on May 21, 2008, with her loving family by her side at English Oaks Convalescent Hospital.

"Margie" was born December 12, 1913 and was reared in San Saba, Texas but later moved to Modesto, California area in 1949. She is survived by her loving son, H. Frank Dickason and his wife, Ann Lucas Dickason; their children: Ted Dickason and his wife, Janet; Diana Mortensen and her husband, Dean; Denise Dickason; Matthew Dickason; and David Dickason and his wife, Tiffany; and grandchildren: Stacey Smith Elving and her husband, Ken; Paul Sloan Smith and his wife, Barbara; Sarah Smith Aaronson and her husband, L. Todd; Armour "Clay" Smith, Jr. and his wife, Cindy. Margie had 16 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Walton Dickason; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and Armour Smith; parents, Jenny and Pete Sloan; and sisters and brothers: Jack Sloan, Frank "Pancho" Sloan, Nell Sloan, and Mary Katherine Brown.

Margaret had many accomplishments in her remarkable life. She lived in a rural county of 2,000 on a ranch 20 miles from town. She graduated from high school at 15-years-old. In 1932 and at the age of 19, Margaret had to quit her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas - Austin, just three months before her scheduled graduation with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, because married students could not attend the University. After Margaret and Walton moved to Modesto, she worked for a number of years for Dr. Stanley Codiga.

Margaret was also very involved with her church, Trinity United Presbyterian, where she held a number of offices. There, she was the Treasurer and an Elder. For many years, she could be found working in the children's room on Sunday mornings where she indulged in her favorite pastime - holding a baby. Until her late 70s, Margaret baked her wonderful bread and took it to the people who were visiting church, played cards, went on trips, and planned parties.

Margaret was always doing something wonderful for her family, and really anyone who she felt needed her. She held the office of President for the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, where she was still active at the time of her death. The Salvation Army presented her with the "Women's Auxiliary Award of Excellence," the highest award that one can receive.

Margie felt her life was made whole when she had children and grandchildren, then doubly blessed when her great-grandchildren knew her and knew her very well. Margaret would tell you she lived a blessed life. Her family feels she had a halo and deserved sainthood.

Margie truly walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, Who has opened His heart and enfolded her in His arms to accept her with Him. We look forward to the day when we too will join her to be with Him. A celebration of her life will be held May 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto, California.

Remembrances can be made to the following :

• Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1663, Modesto, CA 95353;

• Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto, CA 95350; or

• Community Hospice, 4368 Spires Way, Modesto, CA 95356.