Minerva Sickman

Minerva Jane Sickman, 80, passed away peacefully Monday, July 31, 2023, at her eldest daughter’s home in Ohio. She was born on her mother's birthday, Sep. 4, 1942, at Adams County Memorial Hospital in Decatur to Frederick John and Gretchen Nell (Winans) Duff. She was married Sep. 17, 1966, to Lawrence Dale Sickman.
She worked after graduating from Elkhart College. She was a medical secretary for Dr. Lundt in Elkhart and Drs. Ganz and Bloom in Marion. It was in Marion that she met the love of her life, Lawrence, being set up on a date while she was at work as Lawrence was at the same office having stitches removed. After raising her daughters to school age, she returned to work in 1976 at Park Elementary School in Fairmount as a Title I aide, helping children learn to read. She then worked at Park as a special education secretary and finally as secretary-treasurer of Park Elementary for a total of close to 30 years. After her husband’s death in 1986, she continued to live in Fairmount until 2022, when she moved to live with her eldest daughter. She was a Girl Scout leader and 4-H leader. She was active in the American Cancer Society, Grant County Extension Board, Grant County Fair Board, Grant County Adult Leaders and Purdue Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET). She served as secretary and president in many of those organizations. She served on Fairmount Town Council (two plus terms) serving as vice-president and president, Madison-Grant United School Board (two terms) serving as secretary and as a member of two state committees. Additionally, she had been secretary of the Grant County Democratic Women’s Club.
She is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Linda Sue Sickman and Janet Elaine Shindler of Muncie; two grandsons, Jared Nathan Shindler; and Josiah Justin Shindler; five nephews and nieces; and 10 great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in November 1986; brother, Larry Lee (Nancy) Duff in January 2021; and sister, Mary Ann (David) Lindsey on April 25, 2023.
As per her final wishes, there will be no funeral or services.
Arrangements provided by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions in Beavercreek, Ohio. To share a memory or leave a special message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerDayton.com.