Miriam Joyce Dickson Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

Miriam Joyce Hazen Dickson 91, of Ames died Monday April 19, 2010 at Heartwood House Northcrest Community in Ames. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday April 24 at United Church of Christ -- Congregational, Sixth and Kellogg with burial at the Ames Municipal Cemetery in Ames. Visitation will be Friday, April 23 from 3:00 -- 7:00 p.m. with the family present 5:00 -- 7:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414, Lincoln Way in Ames.

Miriam was born October 26, 1918 in Denmark, Iowa in Lee County the daughter of Hervey and Ethel (Beebe) Hazen. Miriam graduated from Denmark High School and Academy. She attended Burlington College before going to Iowa State University where she earned a degree in home economics in 1941. She then taught home economics in high schools in New Market and Burlington, Iowa. On June 18, 1944 she married Keith E. Dickson in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he was stationed in WW II. After the war the couple moved permanently to Ames. Miriam was active as a young person in the oldest Congregational Church west of the Mississippi River and stayed very active in the United Church of Christ -- Congregational in Ames. She served on the Mayflower Retirement Home board of directors at Grinnell, Iowa for six years. She worked with her husband Keith part time at Dickson's Tax Consultants and Accounting from 1971 through 1985. She was active in the Parent Teachers Association when her children were in school and served as president. She belonged to PEO chapter HN, Sans Souci, and Hearth and Heather. Keith and Miriam were long time members of the Red Friars Dance Club. Miriam enjoyed gardening and reading.

Miriam is survived by four children and their families; Joyce (Tom) Hertz of Ames and children, Jana (Pieter) Hertz Ferdinandus, and Alan Hertz; David (Bonnie) Dickson of Ames and children, Julie (Ryan) Freeman and Christine (Neil) Gagnon; Jonathan (Mary) of Fargo, ND and children, Tim and (Jenny Hopwood) Dickson, Matthew and Michael Dickson; and James (Valree) Dickson Ames and children Mackenzie and Nolan; and a brother James (Eileen) Hazen in Fort Collins, CO.

She was preceded in death by her husband Keith E. Dickson on December 4, 2000, two sisters, Virginia (Harry) Schneider of Idaho Springs, CO, and Ruth (Dayton) Countryman of Nevada, IA.

Memorials may be directed to United Church of Christ -- Congregational in Ames.

On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

Bonnie Dickson, Daughter In Law on May 5, 2010

Miriam was a friend to all. She reflected Christ to us.

Bonnie Dickson, Daughter in Law on May 5, 2010

An angel on this earth. A wonderful mother in law and true Christian friend

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care on May 5, 2010

Doug Dickson, nephew on Apr 29, 2010

It was with great sadness I was not able to attend the services. Aunt Miriam was always kind and giving to me and everyone she came into contact with. She is already missed.

Allen Keeler - Family Friend on Apr 23, 2010

Keith and Miriam were among the most kind and hospitable people in my acquaintance. I enjoyed their laughter, their food, their charm and their great stories on every occasion we were together. Miriam had a lady's restrained laugh and a great sparkle in her eyes to go with it. They both have left a wonderful legacy behind for their family, and for me, a head filled with memories to carry me to my departure. Joyce, Dave, John and Jim, I am sorry you have lost your mother and your last parent. My thoughts are with you all with loving regard.

George and Patti Pratt on Apr 23, 2010

We are thinking of Jon, Mary and the boys and all the rest of the Dickson family..We met Miriam several times at our Congregational Church in Fargo and also at Pelican Lake..She and her fine husband raised a lovely family...God bless you all as you say that final "good-bye" to a special Mother..

Dale and Pauline Balmer, her hairdresser on Apr 23, 2010

Miriam was such a warm and friendly person. She lit up my life every Friday morning when she came to my shop to have her hair done. Dale lived in Denmark when he was younger too, so he knew the Hazen's. We shared a lot of memories through all those years. Our loss is great and our thoughts and prayers are with her lovely family today. May the Lord Bless all of you.

R. J. Stohler on Apr 23, 2010

I am sorry for the world's, as well as her family's loss. While I did not know her directly, what I saw reflected in the life of her son, Jon and his family, tells me she was quite a fine person.

Kay Countryman, niece, on Apr 22, 2010

Aunt Miriam was so warm, kind and thoughtful. She was such a gracious host and always served delicious homemade cookies. Her flower garden was a treat to behold and Miriam was such a good listener. We Countrymans celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Dicksons. I remember Miriam serving up delicious fare, Billy the dog excited about the company and laughter. After dinner the games came out of the mirrored coat closet and the kids entered into a game of Risk or cribbage. Good memories and a heart-felt loss.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care on Apr 20, 2010