Laurel "Jo" Josephine (Snook) Dickison Obituary (1920 - 2019)

Laurel Jo Snook-Dickison was ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 17, 2019, at Meadowbrook Place, surrounded by family. A celebration of her life will be held May 17th, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Nazarene Church, 1250 Hughes Lane, Baker City, with a lunch reception at the church following the service. "Jo" was born August 25th, 1920 in Baker City to Alva and Georgia (Hudspeth) Gardner. Her younger years were spent at Baker City and McEwen. Teenage summers were often spent at Red's Horse Ranch cleaning cabins and helping in the kitchen with her sisters Teen and Ethyl. Many wonderful memories were made before the family sold the ranch. She attended a two-room school in McEwen for several years where her Dad was a winchman on the dredge, and some in Baker where her dad worked as a mechanic. Her Mom cooked for the logging camps. She graduated from Baker High School in 1938, the year Baker won its first state basketball championship. Upon graduation, she enrolled in the first St. Elizabeth Nurses Training Program. She completed her training at Doernbecher hospital. She was a Registered Nurse for over half a century at St. Elizabeth, with the last 32 years as a surgical nurse. During her nursing career, Jo also did private duty for many families. Being a long-standing member of the community put her on a warm, first name basis with most of the community and added to their comfort. Many lifelong relationships were made over the course of her career. One of her greatest joys was being a church camp nurse at Baptist youth camps at Anthony Lake, Cove, and Elkanah for many years. She made sure that every child that wanted to go to camp got the opportunity. She was a major influence on many of the children's lives. She also loved serving for 9 years as a nurse on bus tours to many wonderful places that were sponsored by longtime friend Don Wilson. Jo married Dean Snook and was blessed with 3 children - Larry, Peggy, and Eddie. Dean was a mechanic and owned a garage on Broadway and Tenth for many years, then in later years was a mechanic at the Ellingson Mill. Dean passed away in 1998 after a long battle with cancer. After her retirement from nursing, Jo became a regular worker at the Sycamore Tree, owned by daughter Peggy. She loved being around the people in the store, helping and serving them as well as entertaining them. Jo married Andy Dickison in 2001. They spent 10 years traveling, making memories, and involving themselves in bible studies before Andy's death in 2011. She spent her last years at Meadowbrook Place. Her time there was a great blessing to her, as well as her visitors and the wonderful staff, who quickly became like family. Jo had a heart for God and a love for people, whether they were 1 or 100 years old. She loved the Lord and gave most of her life in service for Him. He was the most important part of her life. She was an amazing, supportive, loving, encouraging, and entertaining mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Her family was her pride and joy. They all loved "Grammy Jo." Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dean Snook, her husband of 10 years, Andy Dickison, and her Sisters Ernestine and Ethyl. Survivors include daughter Peggy Pearson (Larry), sons Larry Snook (Shirley) and Ed Snook (Penny); grandchildren Kathi Sayers, Kereen Dose, Kevin Pearson, Brad Snook, Greg Snook, Jason Snook, Chad Snook and Joe Snook, 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifetime friend Gin Widman. Memorial contributions may be made to the missionary program at the McEwen Church or Camp Elkanah through Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel at 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, Oregon 97814. To light a candle for Jo or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit: www.grayswestco.com.