Donna Rae Dickinson

Donna Rae Dickinson, age 90, of Palestine, IL, died at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Timber Creek Village in Robinson, IL. Born August 19, 1929, in Robinson, she was the daughter of Harold "Pete" Kaley & Mildred Kaley. At the age of 14, she joined the First Christian Church in Palestine, where she would eventually become a 3rd grade Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and serve on several committees. On July 2, 1950, she married Matthew Dickinson. Only three months after their marriage, Matt was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was captured by the Chinese while at an outpost and died in a POW camp at the age of 24. Upon her graduation from Palestine High School, she worked as a bookkeeper and teller at Farmers State Bank in Palestine for 15 years before becoming the Palestine High School secretary, a position she held for 19 years. The last 8 years of her professional career found her working as the administrative assistant to the Palestine Unit 3 school superintendent. Donna's younger years often found her riding her bicycle and walking her beloved poodles, each of whom was a wonderful source of joy in her life. She also loved tending to her yard and home and found great satisfaction in decorating around the house. She will be remembered for her warmth and that wonderful laugh of hers that we will miss so much. She made the world a brighter, more joyful place, and for that, we are forever thankful. She is survived by two nieces & nephews-in-law, De Etta & Mark Welte (Vincennes, IN) and Tamara & Forrest Kent (Flat Rock, IL); a great-nephew, Jon & wife Jan Kent; and a great-niece, Kelsey & husband Stefan Mierzwa. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tommy Kaley; and her best friend and husband, Matt. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20th at the Palestine Cemetery with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. PLEASE NOTE THAT COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE OBSERVED, AND IT IS REQUESTED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to "Riley Hospital for Children" or to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the cemetery.