Dixie LeAnn (Merida) Bennett

 Dixie LeAnn Bennett passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father at 2:48 a.m. on her 57^th birthday, at home, after an extended illness. 

Born to the late Robert Eugene and Nineth Belle (Sagarsee) Merida in Elwood, Indiana on July 27, 1958, Dixie graduated from Tipton High School in 1976. 

On August 23, 1980, she married her husband of nearly 35 years, Anthony Bennett, who survives.  She returned to college later in life and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education in December 1995.  She spent most of her life in the Kokomo/Peru area, and six years in Bloomington, Indiana.  A housewife for the last ten years, she previously worked in sales, retail management, and for the Kokomo Center Consolidated and Peru Community School Corporations. She especially treasured her years of home-schooling her own children when they were young, and later working at Elmwood Elementary. She had also been active in children’s ministries and VBS during the 80’s and 90’s.

Dixie is the mother of three: Matthew Richard (Tara) Bennett, Hebron, KY; Audrey Elisabeth Bennett, Indianapolis; and Micah Patrick Bennett, Kokomo (and Katie Wehmueller and son Wyatt.) Also surviving are the greatest joys of her life, grandsons Isaac Lee-Anthony Bennett, Kokomo; and Samuel Carter Bradley, Indianapolis.  In addition, she is survived by one brother, Robert T (wife Carol) Merida, Venice, Florida;   sister Suzette E (husband Marvin) Smith, Venice, Florida; and sister Connie M (husband Jerry) Arrick, Converse.   Also surviving are aunts Lucy Cozetta Monize, Greentown; Markeeta Webb, Huntington; and uncle Jack Sagarsee, Huntington; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  

Dixie was passionate, generous, and tenacious. She was also funny, entertaining, engaging, loving, and slightly outrageous at times.  She loved Jesus with all her heart, prayed daily for her family and friends, and frequently helped out others in need.  Many of her children’s’ friends considered her home their second home while growing up, always finding an open kitchen, open arms, and a listening ear.

Dixie was a huge fan of the Indianapolis Colts, and never missed a televised Big Ten basketball game.  She was also a wonderful cook, and loved having parties, get-togethers, and cookouts.  

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.  In lieu of flowers, she would love that donations be made instead to the Kokomo Rescue Mission or Indiana Right to Life, two causes that she was passionate about.  The family would like to extend a special “Thank You!” to St. Joseph Hospice, and to the staff at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, for their compassionate care.   Visitation will be at St Andrew Episcopal Church on Thursday, July 30, 2015 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, followed by a Requiem Mass and committal at the Church, with Rev. Fr. Richard Lightsey officiating.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.