Elaine Ickes Drikakis

Elaine (Ickes) Drikakis, 90, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died on Saturday, July 23, 2022, with her family at her side at Lakeview Assisted Living.

Elaine Ickes was born January 22, 1932 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Charles and Thelma (Rockhill) Ickes. She was a 1950 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and was employed as an executive secretary at Kellogg Company for a short time.

Elaine Ickes was united in marriage to George Drikakis on March 4, 1951 at First Congregational Church in Battle Creek. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband, George on July 4, 2011. Surviving are her daughter, Christine "Chris" (Steve) Kindy of Kalamazoo; two sons, John (Sandra) Drikakis and James (Amy) Drikakis both of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Erinn (Mike) Belmonte, Tristan (Lindsay) Kindy, Greyson Kindy, Jamie (Martin) Hart, John ("Phan" Phanthicha) Drikakis, Steve Drikakis, Jim (Alyssa) Drikakis, Lydia (Trevor) Wyman and Madelynn (Chase) Dunn. Also surviving, eight and a half great-grandchildren, Kain and Finn Belmonte, Rowan and Remy Kindy, Dominick and George Hart, Panwa and Pawan Koonanoorakwong, plus one more on the way; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to her husband, Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert Ickes and sister, Joan Williams.

Elaine was a member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. She loved to lunch with a small group after Sunday Service. She was honored by the American Red Cross as "Volunteer of the Year" in the State of Michigan for her commitment, volunteer hours and service to everyone at the former Mercy Pavilion. She and George purchased a bus for Mercy Pavilion and took residents on day trips for fun and entertainment. They also hosted a yearly dance for the Mercy residents in recognition of her dad, "Chuck", a musician. All of Elaine and George's commitment to Mercy Pavilion was done to honor both of her parents who spent their final days as Mercy residents. She was a very devoted daughter. Another activity that gave Elaine a meaningful purpose in life, was working as a reading aide at the former Springfield Junior High School. Elaine loved to give special gifts to her favorite people to honor and show her love. In her younger years, Elaine golfed, played a little tennis and more recently enjoyed trips to the Casino. Elaine loved her family and friends, and never forgot a birthday. Her family could always count on a birthday phone call where she sang the "birthday song". Elaine will be remembered for her generous gift-giving spirit, funny sense of humor and outspoken voice for what was right and just. Elaine was an extrovert and loved to be with people. The "pandemic" was especially hard for her.

Friends will be received 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Elaine's life will by officiated by Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2022. A family committal service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later time. A livestream of the memorial service can be viewed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/2320260

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan, 5640 Venture Court, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

To leave a personal message for Elaine's family or to leave an Elaine story, please visit www.farleyestesdowdle.com.