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2019
HULL, Ill. -- Dixie Lee Ward, 79, of Hull, died at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Sunset Home in Quincy.
Dixie was born Feb. 2, 1940, in rural Adams County, to Lawrence "Dode" and Opal Dunker Kroencke. Dixie retired from the West Pike School District, where she was a language arts teacher for many years. Dixie loved her community of Hull and was very active in its promotion. Dixie was the founder of "Hull History Lives" and was instrumental in the formation of the Kinderhook Township Library. An avid reader, Dixie also had several books published, including a cookbook and a book about the West Pike Basketball team's trip to the state tournament. Dixie enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and University of Illinois basketball. "Kroencke Stampede," Christmas and violets were a few of Dixie's favorites. Most of all, Dixie cherished her family and loved to spend time with them, especially her grandchildren. Dixie attended Hull United Methodist Church. Survivors include two children, Mark D. Ward of St. Louis, Mo., and Michelle L. Roberts (Todd) of Lombard; two brothers, Larry Kroencke (Janet) of rural Hull and Mike Kroencke (Jane) of rural Hull; and one sister, Shirley Distlehorst of Springfield, Ill. Dixie also is survived by six grandchildren, Jack Ward, Katy Ward, Reagin Ward, Luke Ward, Schuyler Roberts and Keaton Roberts. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dixie was preceded in death by her parents. SERVICES: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home. MEMORIALS: Hull History Lives. ARRANGEMENTS: James O'Donnell Funeral Home. WEBSITE: jamesodonnellfuneralhome.com. Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Hannibal.
2 Entries
Dixie was one of the first people to reach out to me when I came to West Pike.She and Dode rented me a house in Hull for next to nothing.But more importantly she was a great mentor and friend.Dixie changed people's lives for the better. She would come in early before school started to tutor students so they could pass her class. She was a demanding teacher but would work with you if you made the extra effort.
She helped several basketball players achieve their goals but would help any student achieve success.
I feel very sorry that I didn't stay in closer contact with her and all of my West Pike family.
I was very lucky to have such great people like Dixie in my life at the beginning of my career.I can see her now with Bonnie Fee. They are sitting on a gold plated bench laughing and planning a great celebration for all of us that will follow.Dixie found the bench,my West Pike colleagues will know what I mean by that. We had so many special moments that we shared.
My sincere condolences to all of her family.Im glad I got to know Dixie!
Sincerely,Steve Joslyn
Steve Joslyn
March 16, 2019
Dixie's Family and Shirley, Larry, Mike.
I am so sorry to hear of Dixie's passing.
She will be long remembered for the things
she has done for the City of Hull.
She was a great friend and Classmate.
A. J. Bower
March 14, 2019
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4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Hannibal302 South 5th Street, Hannibal, MO 63401
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James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Hannibal302 South 5th Street, Hannibal, MO 63401
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