Dixie R. Steelman, 1922-2003, Lee's Summit

Dixie Ruth McKenzie Steelman, 81, of Lee's Summit, formerly of Sedalia, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City.

She was born June 13, 1922, in Cooper County, a daughter of Joseph M. and Minnie Marie Todd Johnson. She was preceded in death by Forrest M. McKenzie, the father of her two children. On Oct. 27, 1995, in Independence, she was married to Benjamin F. Steelman, who died July 5, 1997.

Mrs. Steelman was a Methodist and attended Unity Village Chapel. She was a 1940 graduate of Smithton High School. She was a member of the Pettis Chapter No. 279 Order of the Eastern Star and Communications Workers of America. She was a production technician for Western Electric Corporation and a health care provider for John Knox Village.

Surviving are two sons, Gene McKenzie, of Garland, Texas, and James Robert McKenzie, of Independence; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sister, Jo Ella Watkins.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Jack Comer and the Rev. Wayne Watkins officiating.

Pallbearers will be family members. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Smithton High School Class of 1940. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and after 8:30 a.m. Friday at the the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Friday. Friends may also sign the guest register online at www.heckart-gillespie.com.

The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor's choice.