Dixie Ann Paul

Dixie Ann Paul, 77, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Franciscan Health Michigan City.

Dixie was born on Dec. 1, 1948, in La Porte, Indiana, to Willard and Yolanda (Tennis) Henning.

On Oct. 15, 1966, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, she married Jim Paul, who survives. Dixie and Jim enjoyed 59 years of marriage.

Also surviving are her four children, Tracy (Erick) Keller, Tina (Brian) Townsend, Jay (Aimee) Paul and Melissa (Patrick) Worthington; eight grandchildren, David Mrozinski Jr., Samantha Townsend, Brandy (Brian) Bechinski, Mariah Townsend, Danielle Paul, JP (Christine) Paul, Holly (Kodie) Swank and Tristan Worthington; 15 great-grandchildren, David Mrozinski III, Valerie Mrozinski, Landon Townsend, Layton Townsend, Lincoln Townsend, Lainey Townsend, Braylynn Bechinski, Brian Bechinski Jr., Brice Bechinski, Rylee Townsend-Boal, Rayna Boal, Raidyn Boal, Addison Romano, Jayden Paul and Reid Swank; sister-in-law, Marcia Henning; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kenneth Wayne Paul; in-laws, John (Marcella) Paul; sister, Diane Makina; and brothers, David and Michael Henning.

Dixie was a graduate of La Porte High School, where she twirled baton. In 1979, she obtained a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Purdue University.

She was an avid reader and gardener. Dixie had a green thumb and successfully kept a gifted tree living for many years! She loved attending the La Porte Co. Fair, watching the livestock shows, eating elephant ears, and riding the golf cart around during the fair festivities. She was a golf enthusiast. (she tried!) Dixie was a huge Cubs fan and enjoyed IU basketball, even though she was a Purdue graduate.

Dixie loved the holidays and listened to Christmas music all year round. She also enjoyed Halloween decorations, with the theory that the larger the better!

She enjoyed attending Celtic Thunder concerts and owned every CD. Dixie loved bowling with her daughters at Thunderbird Lanes. She was so proficient with scoring that she could do it on her own, not needing a scoreboard! Dixie also enjoyed visiting the casino. Indiana Beach was her favorite weekend getaway with her family.

Dixie loved caring for her collie dogs. She enjoyed taking golf cart rides with Jim through the trails.

Most importantly, Dixie dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. During their youth, Dixie enjoyed watching her children play softball and baseball. Dixie's grandchildren and great-grandchildren will fondly remember looking up to see Dixie at their events, cheering them toward success. She hosted Sunday dinners, which were a highlight for her family. Dixie loved her friends and family with her whole heart.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Dave Peery officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in remembrance of Dixie Paul to the La Porte County 4-H Council with payment memo: Memorial Senior Scholarship.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www. cutlercares.com.