With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tressa Jane Dicus (74), beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and cherished member of the Spencerville community. Tressa passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024 at St. Rita's Medical Center.  Everyone knew Tressa; she leaves behind a legacy of friendship, laughter, and of course, lipstick kisses.

Born on September 8, 1949 to Glen William and Joan (Moorman) Whitling, Tressa brought joy into the lives of all who knew her. She was loving mother to two children, Natalie Dicus of Columbus and Kevin (Libby) Dicus of Plain City, and adoring grandmother to Evan, Adelaide, and Owen Dicus.  Tressa was preceded in death by her parents, brother Brett Allan Whitling, sister-in-law Jean Ann Miller, and husband Robert ("Bob") Dicus.  In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by brother David (Diana) Whitling and countless extended family and loving friends.

Tressa and Bob married in 1971 and built a home and life together on their farm in Venedocia.  They travelled the country with the Young Farmers and enjoyed many other trips with friends.  Tressa was a member of the United Church of Christ, where she could be heard belting her favorites in a deep alto from the back pew.  She was active in the community, volunteering as 4-H group sewing leader, staffing the women's tent during Farm Focus, and running the SHS concession stand.  No one was surprised when she was named the 2018 Spencerville Athletic Booster of the Year.

While she started her career as a hairdresser, as her children grew Tressa found another passion – bus driver for Spencerville schools.  Stepping onto Tressa's bus meant receiving a kiss on the cheek … and maybe a pinch on a different cheek! Behind the wheel Tressa was more than just a driver; she was a second mother to the children she transported.

A 1967 Spencerville graduate, Tressa was an avid Bearcat sports fan.  She was the proudest – and loudest! – fan in the stands, with her excitement shining as brightly as her favorite pink lipstick.  While her body eventually tired, her spirit never did – she watched the Bearcats' March 2024 tournament run from her hospital room.

Following the unexpected loss of her husband in 2009, Tressa was surrounded and uplifted by the love of her friends. With their support she battled and beat breast cancer.  On Saturday evenings you could find her hooting with them over cards, and on sunny days they floated in the pool.  She was truly blessed with lifelong friends who were a constant source of comfort – and fun!

One of Tressa's greatest joys was in her role as a grandmother, doting on Evan, Addie and Owen.  She tracked their schedules, school activities, and sports; she never missed an opportunity to spend time with them.  They will miss Gator rides with Grandma, but they will never forget how much she loved them.

Though she may be gone from us here, Tressa will forever remain in our hearts.

Friends may call at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville on Wednesday, March 13 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at Spencerville United Church of Christ, with visitation an hour before that morning. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Tressa and her family.

Donations may be made in Tressa's honor to the Spencerville United Church of Christ or the Spencerville Athletic Boosters.