Ruth Chapleau Dickman

Thelma Ruth Wortham was born in Irondale, Missouri to Lemuel Roy “Elroy” and Eliza Eugenia (nee Province) Wortham. In 1941, she married Jules Christian “Bud” Chapleau of St. Louis, Missouri and they had two children, Julie (J.D.) Hempsmyer and Brian (Linda) Chapleau. In 1974, she married fellow widower, Marvin J. Dickman of Rolla, Missouri. The blending of their families created many lasting friendships and connections that remain to this day. After Marvin’s passing in 1992, Ruth returned to St. Louis where she continued to live independently until 2019. The last several years of Ruth’s life were spent under the loving care of staff at Laclede Groves – Lutheran Senior Services. Ruth was preceded in death by parents, Elroy and Eugenia Wortham; siblings Alma Dulz, Rachel Weekley, Marie Whaley, Herman Wortham, Wesley Wortham and Victor Wortham; husbands J.C. “Bud” Chapleau and Marvin J. Dickman; son, Brian Chapleau; as well as Marvin’s sons, Chuck Dickman and Daniel Dickman. Ruth is survived by daughter, Julie (J.D.) Hempsmyer; daughter-in-law, Linda (nee Tutino) Chapleau; granddaughter, Amy Eugenia (Christopher) Chapleau-Lane; many loving nieces and nephews; as well as blended family including Doris (Brian) Hobbs, Maxine (late Daniel Dickman) Fosmark, Rozelle (Eric) Anderson, Richard (Glenda) Dickman; and their children and grandchildren. Ruth also leaves behind longtime neighbors, Barry and Suzanne Hirth, whose friendship has been invaluable to her family. Ruth’s family is extremely grateful to the extraordinary staff of Laclede Groves for the care, compassion, and friendship they provide to residents. Their jobs are often hard and thankless, but invaluable to the families of those entrusted to their care. Visitation will be Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 9am to 11am at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home in Maplewood, Missouri. Funeral service at 11am, followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery (Highway 70/Lucas & Hunt). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption Center or Lutheran Senior Services – Employee Appreciation Fund.

Ruth Chapleau Dickman

February 28, 1925 - February 11, 2024