Sandra Kay Dixon

Sandra Kay Dixon, 81, of Stevensville, formerly of Baroda, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, surrounded by her family at home.

Visitation will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville. Burial will immediately follow in Ruggles Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Sandy's name may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Sandy was born on June 4, 1944, to Alex and Marcella (Trapp) Reitz in Baroda. She graduated from Lakeshore High School. On June 9, 1961, she married Alan Schmaltz at Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora. Together, they built a life centered on devotion to family and quiet strength. Alan preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 2007. In time, Sandy found love again and was united in marriage to Robert Dixon on Aug. 9, 2015, at Christ Lutheran Church.

Sandy was above all, a homemaker in the truest and most beautiful sense of the word. She didn't just keep a house, she created a home for her family. Sandy was the family's steady presence, the caregiver, the nurturer, the one everyone turned to in times of need. With deep compassion and unwavering dedication, she served others in a way not simply as something she did, but as part of who she was.

Her hands were rarely still. Sandy found joy in creativity, whether arranging flowers, painting, crocheting, decorating cakes, working with ceramics or sewing. She loved tending to her garden and mowing the lawn.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. In her earlier years, she was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora. For many years, she has faithfully served at Christ Lutheran Church in Stevensville, participating in Altar Guild and Stephen Ministry.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Robert Dixon; children: David (Lisa) Schmaltz, Donna (Jon) Winter, Steve (Pam) Schmaltz, Scott (Krista Dixon) Schmaltz, Doreen (Derek Murphy) Schmaltz, Kevin (Becky Wrobleski) Dixon, Scott (Sara) Dixon and Todd (Carin) Dixon; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Darla (John) Pagel and sister-in-law, Norma Reitz.

In addition to her parents and first husband, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Edward Reitz, and great-granddaughters: Rose and Sofia Schmaltz.