Dixie Pauline Gardner

On January 10, 2022, the journey of Dixie Pauline Gardner on this Earth ended; she walked on to meet her God, in whom she had strength of faith and conviction. A lifelong resident of Winona, Missouri, Dixie loved the people of Winona and was a strong supporter of her community. Working first at the Allmon Motor Co., and later at Winona Savings Bank, she offered her best to everyone. If anyone’s life exemplified “Always be kind,” it was hers. She was born in Huntsville, Arkansas, on February 25, 1933, to Elva Oma (Stark) Ferguson and Mark Merida Johnson. With both parents often traveling to work, she was raised by the strength of her maternal family in Winona, with her brother, Lynn “Linseed” Johnson and their older sister, Betty. Although Betty married William Kelley, Jr. and moved to California, throughout her life Dixie maintained strong ties and much love for her sister, and all of her California family. Dixie married her love, Bobbie Lee “Cork” Gardner on September 20, 1951, and they built a happy life and home together. Their only child, LaRhonda Sue, was born into their family May 18, 1953, bringing much joy and laughter to their home. Dixie and Cork provided constant love and support to LaRhonda and her children, Gary Allen (son of LaRhonda and Allen E. Crabtree) and Jill Marie (daughter of LaRhonda and William J. Price), in much the same way that Dixie’s maternal family had provided so much support to her and her siblings.

She was very proud of her two great- grandchildren, Carl & Amanda (children of Gary and his wife Renee). She was a rock of the Gardner family. Her presence and home were the center of many gatherings, and often a source of strength. Thanksgiving at Dixie’s was always special, and holds warm memories, of great food and even better togetherness, for so many. And after LaRhonda’s untimely death, she carried on, like a rock, offering support and reassurance, to Gary, Jill, and anyone who needed it. Dixie’s husband, Cork (d. 1980), and both of her sib- lings walked on before her. Their children were very special to her; those still living include her niece, Mosella Montenegro (Betty and Kelley’s daughter) who lives in the Los Angeles area, near her children and grandchildren, and her nephews (Lynn’s sons), Rocck Mallory (of Oklahoma) and Bric Mallory Johnson (of Alabama), and their families. Cork’s siblings’ children, Bud (her nephew, son of Archer “Bill” Gardner) and Robin Gardner and their family, the Wakefields (the families of Margaret Diane (Gardner) and her husband, Pete), and Ron Reese (Cork’s cousin, the son of Cork’s aunt Kathryn (Fisher)) also held special places in her heart.

She lived her life in Winona, until nearly the end of her journey. In 2020, she moved to a retirement community (Glen Eagle) in Traverse City, Michigan (near Gary’s home). Almost overnight, she became an active member and one of the bright smiles of that community, too. She is sorely missed by the family, friends, and communities that she leaves behind. If gentleness is a revelation of strength, then Dixie’s life on this Earth showed strength like few others. Gone from this Earth, but never from our hearts; may you find peace, and joy in reuniting with those who have gone before you, especially Cork, LaRhonda, and Elva. Celebration of Life Gathering Friends and Family are invited to meet at Big Spring Park (near Van Buren, MO) on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the pavilion nearest the Spring. Please bring a story or two, or a memory, and a photo or two, of Dixie to share with us.