Linda Dicks

April 2, 1952-April 13, 2016 Linda Darlene Dicks passed away peacefully on April 13, 2016 after a long battle with cancer at the Christus Sister Mary Hospice in San Antonio, TX. Linda was born in Mercer, Pennsylvania, the eldest daughter of Katherine M.(Kotsch) and the late David L. Dicks. Linda graduated from Mercer Area High School and later attended Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and Theater. After college, Linda's first career landed her in Maine as a DJ at a local radio station. After a few years, finding the Maine winters not to her liking, she moved to Florida for warmer climates. While in Florida working as a local radio DJ, Linda met and fell in love with Joseph Desrosiers, whom she married in 1977. From this union, Linda and Joe were blessed with two sons, Dale Raymond Yancey and Kyle Preston Yancey. Linda worked for the Orlando International Airport for over 10 years, when she decided that Florida was okay, but that Texas would be a better place to raise her young family. Linda relocated to Texas in 1996 and soon began her career with the City of San Antonio in June of that year, working for the Economic Development Services Department (E.D.S) until 2003. In 2003 Linda transferred to the Aviation Department as Contract Coordinator assigned to the San Antonio Airport, where she remained employed until her death this year in April 2016. Linda always carried a special kindness in her heart for all manner of 4-legged animals which she demonstrated by actively volunteering, raising funds and donating to many animal charitable organizations. Linda's love for all of God's creatures led to many adopted furry friends, and for those she could not personally adopt she attempted to find good caring homes for those animals and donating to assistance for their well-being. However, Linda's greatest passion was to ride her beloved horses at every opportunity in the Bandera State Park, Texas. Linda loved the outdoors and spent many of those days at Bandera camping and riding with her Appaloosa family, Dorothy Dotson(deceased), Patty Dunlevy, Tommy and Sandra Brown. On those rare occasions that she couldn't find time to get the park, she simply rode in her neighborhood with her friend Bonnie Seale. Linda was generous with her time with both her friends and as a volunteer ring announcer for the South Texas Appaloosa Breeders horse club during their annual horseshow at the San Antonio Livestock Expo. Linda leaves behind numerous friends she considered her 'adopted family.' During the past several months, these 'adopted' family members provided both of themselves time, emotional support and companionship to Linda that the family will be forever grateful for in making her last few months so special. A heart felt thank you also goes out from the family to Molly and Randy Bullis, who went above and beyond is assisting Linda with her final estate plans and Alba Diaz, who kept Linda up to date on her friends at the airport. Linda is survived by her sons, Dale Yancey and Kyle Yancey. Linda was preceded in death by her father David L. Dicks and survived by her mother Katherine M.(Kotsch)Dicks of Mercer, Pennsylvania, Brother David and his wife, Brenda and their sons Michael and Matthew, of Mercer. Pennsylvania, Sister Karen (Dicks) Frantz and her son Andrew, of Mercer, Pennsylvania, Sister Amy (Dicks) Lenderking and her husband Kevin of Bishopville, Maryland. Linda is also survived by her companion of many years, Brijido (Ben) Gutierrez of San Antonio, TX. The family and friends of Linda would like to thank the wonderful care givers from Superior Hospice Services, Sam, Angie and Lorri, for their kindness and excellent care provided to Linda during this difficult period, as well as, the staff of Christus Sister Mary Hospice Center. A memorial service will be held at the MeadowLawn Funeral Home, 5611 FM 1346, San Antonio, Texas 78220, on May 31, 2016 at 6:00 PM. A reception following the memorial will be held to gather friends and family of Linda at the MeadowLawn Tribute Center, 5415 E. Houston (FM1346), San Antonio, Texas 78220. A private ceremony for family and close friends will be held later this year in her hometown of Mercer, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, March of Dimes of Dallas, Wildlife Rescue of San Antonio, or Wings and Reins of Devine. Cards may be sent c/o Sandra Bryla 9062 Rose Canyon Drive, Conroe, TX 77302.