Dixie Smith, 97, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday morning, July 29, 2019 at Winfield Rest Haven.

Born July 22, 1922 in Blue Ridge, Georgia, she was the daughter of Richard H. and Pearl (Hix) Wheeler. While she was young, her parents passed away. Dixie and her sisters were placed at the Peek Home for Children in Polo, Illinois. She was raised and received her education in Illinois where she graduated high school.

Dixie was united in marriage to James Woodward Smith on March 25, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. Eventually, the couple moved to Palmdale, California where they owned and operated a chicken ranch. Mr. Smith preceded her in death on October 13, 1959. She later moved to Dixon, Illinois where she worked as a clerk in the local drug store. After her daughters' passing, Dixie returned to Polo, Illinois to be near family. She later moved to Winfield, Kansas to be with her sons' family.

She was a member of the Methodist Church in Polo, Illinois. She enjoyed reading, watching westerns, particularly John Wayne, being around animals, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Her family includes her daughter-in-law Jené Smith of Winfield; her grandchildren, Noah Smith and wife, Kayla of Winfield; Aaron Smith and wife, Abigail of Fort Jackson, SC; Laura Ford of Eau Claire, WI; and David Ford of Polo, Illinois; and her great grandchildren, Nadia, Peyton, Zoe, Matilda, and Brodie.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dixie was preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers, her son, James "Jim" Smith, a daughter, Patty Ford, and a great grandson, Ethan James Smith.

Graveside memorial services will be held Monday, August 5, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at Highland Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been established in Dixie's name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.