SPRINGFIELD – Annabelle "Ann" Dickman, 79, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois after a short battle with leukemia. Ann died peacefully surrounded by her family and friends. Ann was born on June 5th, 1945 and raised in Beardstown, Illinois by her parents, Frances and Leonard "Bill" Gabbert. Ann was close to her parents throughout their lives and was always grateful for the love, opportunities, and memories they gave to her.

Ann is survived by her husband, Henry "Bud" Dickman; two daughters Shawnda Castleman and Nikola "Niki" Castleman (Shelli Tribble), bonus daughter Carla Kesinger; 5 grandchildren Brett Brown, Jacob Force (Melissa Ensminger), Kaleena Flood (Cameron), Kody Noel (Natalie Alexander), and Rayanna Castleman; 10 great-grandchildren Reileigh and Marshall Force, Adilyn and Cassidy Gallagher, Daxton and Kylan Flood, and Aubree, Parker, Auden and Penelope Smith; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews; as well as her spoiled rotten dogs, Tanner and Chloe.

She married Henry "Bud" Dickman on February 29, 1968 in Beardstown, Illinois. They had the honor of being married by her Uncle Edwin Simmons. Ann and Bud shared 56 years of marriage together. They spent the early years of their marriage, in Beardstown, raising their two daughters, Shawnda and Niki. Ann and Bud were very active members in the Jaycee's and town events.  In 1993, they moved to Springfield, Illinois and continued to reside there.

Ann and Bud loved to travel together all over the country. They took many vacations with their girls, family and friends, and alone with each other. One of Ann's last trips was to Branson with her friends, Dominic and Loretta, to visit her cousin Pat (Don). Ann and Bud's favorite vacation spot, where they spent many winters, was on Tybee Island in Georgia. Ann loved to sit on the balcony of the condo looking out at the ocean watching the ships as they passed.  Bud loving referred to Ann as "Love" as she was the love of his life; and he was the love of hers.

Ann's best friends were her sisters-in-law, Cindy Phillips and Barb Dickman.  She loved to spend time with them shopping, traveling, and going out to dinner.  Ann cherished her friendships with Cindy and Barb and lovingly thought of them as her own sisters. With laughter and smiles, Ann would often tell stories of their adventures that ended with "let me show you what we bought".  Over the years, Ann and Bud spent many weekend nights playing cards and games with their friends and family; Dale and Cindy Phillips, Doug and Barb Dickman, Mike and Sharon Garvin, and Kay and Denny DeGroot.

Ann treasured the time she spent with her daughters and grandchildren. She was very proud that Shawnda was a caring nurse and Niki was a successful business owner.  She enjoyed making large family dinners, decorating the house for holidays, and visiting with her family. She felt blessed that she had so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ann's favorite job was working at Kumler Outreach Ministries with her brother-in-law, Dale. Ann also enjoyed crafting, sewing, and redecorating her home. She spent many hours making crafts for the people she loved.

Ann was met at the Gates of Heaven by her mother, Frances Gabbert; father, Leonard "Bill" Gabbert; her mother-in-law, Freda Dickman; her sister-in-law and best friend, Cindy Phillips; her dear aunts, Lois and Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, Ann's wishes were for donations to be made to Kumler Outreach Ministries. Donations can be sent to: Kumler Outreach Ministries, 303 N. Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62702