This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marysday Surnames: Dickinson, Burke, Atkinson, Springsteen, Wade, McGee Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.oregon.counties.lincoln/5544/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The News Times, Newport, OR 97365 Posted: Wednesday, Sep 1st, 2010 Melinda Sue Dickinson Melinda Sue Dickinson, 57, of Newport, Ore., died from sudden cardiac arrest on Aug. 25, 2010. She was born Jan. 4, 1953 to Charles and Lois Burke in Grand Rapids, Mich. She attended a two-room schoolhouse in Riverton, Ore. before graduating from Coquille High School. She became separated from her biological father at the age of 6 months, and through the efforts of her husband and a private investigator, was reunited with her father after 43 years. Her father had searched for her during her younger years without success. Their reunion was one of her most positive and uplifting life experiences. She met Steve in Newport in 1973, and they were subsequently married in McMinnville on June 15, 1974. They made their home in Newport. She and Steve enjoyed countless hours together traveling, socializing with friends, and spending time with family. She was always cheerful, personable and made the best of any situation. She was a devoted mother, spouse and employee, and often put the needs of others in front of her own. She enjoyed reading, watching favorite TV shows, camping and making her weekly phone calls to family and friends. Her sons and family were her life. More than anything, she wanted to be a mother and a grandmother, and she experienced both to the fullest. She was a mentor, a guide and a confidant to her sons, and cherished her time with her grandchildren. She worked at various capacities in Newport, including the city manager's secretary, Newport Police Dispatcher, Newport Police Records Supervisor, PUD clerk, SeaGull Charters and as a legal secretary for the Lincoln County District Attorney's office. She is survived by her father, Charles Burke of Hampton, Tenn.; her husband, Stephen Dickinson; sons, Ryan (Daniele Atkinson) Dickinson of Beaverton and Jared (Megan Springsteen) Dickinson of Dickinson, Texas; sister Lori Wade of Anchorage, Alaska; half brother Chuck Burke of Round Lake, Ill.; half brother Richard McGee of Eugene, Ore.; and two grandchildren. Services were held Aug. 31. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to My Sisters Place, P.O. Box 2152, Newport, OR 97365 and the Children's Advocacy Center, 122 NW 47th St., Newport, OR 97365. Bateman Funeral Home in Newport is handling arrangements. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.