Dixie Thompson

Dixie Jean Snyder Thompson

If you needed an answer to the New York Times Crossword puzzle — a really hard one — you could ask Dixie. She was a word whiz and a grammar policeman.

Her home was a mirror of her colorful and artistic personality; the backyard was a wonderland of unexpected whimsy and beautiful flowers. The crown jewel of Dixie’s yard was a greenhouse filled with flourishing rescued plants.

She was born in Colby, Kansas, on December 5, 1943 to Bernard (Bud) and Jean Snyder. Apart from a stay in Lawrence, Kansas, to attend university, she was a life-long resident of Colby. Dixie loved her classmates from Colby High School and was very proud of her hometown. When she learned of a decision to demolish the original Thomas County Courthouse, she spear-headed a movement to save it. It is still standing. In her professional life, she created the position of Activities Director for Lantern Park Manor (currently Colby Health and Rehab), where she spent the last few months of her life. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone there … she loved your conversations and care.

The success story of Dixie’s life was raising two children: Delin Thompson of Colby and Chris (Karla) Thompson of Goodland. In addition to being an amazing mother, Dixie was an incredible and loving grandmother. She and her husband Jack Johnson hosted an annual Christmas Eve to rival all.

Jack was Dixie’s loyal companion for 32 years. They toured the countryside in their dune buggy, threw candy in parades from their MG classic roadster, and enjoyed family and friends together. He checked off each entry on the “honey-do” list and patiently endured suggestions if it wasn’t just right.

Her life was painful toward the end … she endured long hospital stays and numerous surgeries. That is why we let her go with indescribable sorrow, but are thankful for her peace. She was surrounded by her family and friends at Citizens Medical Center where the staff made her passing on Saturday, August 13, 2016 comfortable. Her sister Diana Chiro and niece (Amber) and nephew (Aric) made a long trip from their home in New Orleans to say good-bye, and her life-long friend Jo Booth was there to offer unwavering support and love as always. We held her hands, told her how treasured she was, and thanked her as best we could for everything. We shared stories, laughed and cried, and filled her room with love. She was buried in Beulah cemetery to falling rain, a beautiful rainbow, and “Me and Bobby McGee”.

A Celebration of Life is planned at the Colby Country Club on Sunday, September 4th at 1:00 PM. The Country Club is where Dixie used to demonstrate her keen intellect by writing and hosting a weekly trivia night contest.

Dixie loved movies, music and television. If you can’t attend, raise a glass of wine and play your favorite song or watch Alaskan Bush People … that’s what she would have done.

A memorial fund has been established in Dixie’s name at Sunflower Bank.