Susan Lynn Dykes, age 60, formerly of Troy, OH passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Hearth & Home Assisted Living, Vandalia, OH.  She was born June 14, 1956 in Troy to the late George R. Speelman and Emilia Bianchi.  She is survived by her husband of 43 years Norman G. Dykes of Butler Township; sons Joshua and Matthew Dykes of Troy; son and daughter-in-law Joseph and Shannon Dykes and grandchildren Jocelyn and Vincent Dykes and Adriana Barrett-Knick, all of Troy; sister Lucinda Saams of Atlanta, GA; and brother Scott Speelman of Fort Wayne, IN. 

Susan was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Troy and a past member of the Troy Beautification Committee.  She was a graduate of Troy High School and worked for many years as a certified nurses aide at local area hospitals and in-home care services.  

She was a ray of sunshine in the lives of all who knew her.  She was the rarest of souls who never met a stranger and whose instinct to care and help others came as naturally as breathing.  Her greatest joy was being a mother.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Thursday December 15 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy.  A Private Funeral Service for family and friends will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at First United Methodist Church in Troy, with former pastor Theron Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Troy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 31 West Whipp Road, Dayton, OH 45459.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.