Mavis Dickinson, 93-year-old of Clarissa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 23, 2025, at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.

A funeral in her honor will take place on Saturday, June 28,2025, At Shepherd of the Valley church in Clarissa at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will continue the day of the funeral one-hour prior. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at the Woodman Cemetery.

The world got a whole lot brighter on July 21, 1931, when Mavis Lenore (Anderson) Dickinson was born to Ernest and Mabel Anderson in Bartlet Township, Todd County, Minnesota. She was baptized and later confirmed at Balsamlund Lutheran Church near Aldrich, where her lifelong faith was first established.

Mavis attended a small rural school, District #136, through the 8th grade, and graduated from Staples High School in 1948. She continued her education at the Staples Teacher Training program, graduating in 1949. Mavis began her teaching career in rural District #88 north of Clarissa, teaching there for two years, followed by a year at District #69 near Hewitt.

It was during this time that the handsome Hollis Dickinson caught her eye after offering her a ride home in his 1948 Chevy. They officially met again at the Knotty Pine Ballroom in Browerville while she was there on a ladies' night out with other teachers. He asked her to dance, and that first dance became the beginning of a beautiful love story.

On December 29, 1951, Mavis married Hollis Dickinson at Balsamlund Lutheran Church. Together they made their home on the Dickinson family farm north of Clarissa, raising a family of eight wonderful children.

Mavis was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clarissa and later Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. She had a deep love of baking and was especially known for her incredible homemade bread. She also enjoyed golfing and was an excellent putter who once scored a hole-in-one and proudly framed the scorecard for all to see after beating Hollis and their friends.

Joyful, humble, and thoughtful, Mavis had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was accepting of all, and her storytelling abilities and remarkable memory brought both family history and cherished moments to life. One of the most lasting memories of Mavis is the way she’d give big hugs and kisses and wave with a big smile from her window as loved ones drove away. A simple gesture that will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Mavis is survived by her children: Gary (Connie) Dickinson, Larry (Kim) Dickinson, Leon (Renee) Dickinson, Linda (Brad) Becker, Carol (Kevin) Kadrlik, James (Teri) Dickinson, and Robert Dickinson; daughter-in-law, Carla Dickinson; 20 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hollis; son, David Dickinson; her parents, Ernest and Mabel Anderson; brother, Glenn Anderson and sister-in-law Petra Anderson; and in-laws Irvin and Minnie Dickinson, Wally Dickinson, Vivian and Ira Yates, and niece Ione Yates.