Dixie Deems Harper, 90, passed away peacefully, January 3, 2023, at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.
She was born February 21, 1932, in Butler, MO, to John Clyde Deems and Elizabeth (Searfus) Deems. She was married to her high school sweetheart Theron J. Harper at the home of her parents on July 17, 1949. They were happily married for 73 years. He survives at Bridge Haven.
Theron and Dixie had five children: Stephen Kyle, Kathi Sue Hunsinger, Theron Kevin, Roderick Deems, and Elizabeth Ann Spring. She was a homemaker all of her life. Dixie and Theron, along with their children, owned and operated Deems Farm Equipment in Lawrence for more than 30 years. She was a member of University Community of Christ Church in Lawrence.
She was preceded in death by her parents, all seven of her siblings, her oldest son Kyle, her youngest daughter Libby, son-in-law Chris ‘Elvi’ Hunsinger, and her great-grandson Reese Massey.
As per her wishes, no public services are planned at this time. The family suggests memorials to Ascend Hospice and University Community of Christ Church. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.
I am so sorry to learn of Dixie passing, .. what a great family.
I hold the Harper and Deems families in the highest regard.
I had the honor of knowing Theron, Kyle and Kevin well and of course “uncle” Lloyd as I worked at Lawrence earning college $ in the late sixties. Wonderful people who helped me immensely prepare for school in many ways during the summers.
The company couldn’t of been nicer to me and on my last day before I headed to school, .. I was called into Lloyds office, .. I was rather concerned when Donna said “uncle Lloyd wants to see you right away in his office. When I entered I was given a briefcase with $200 (those were 1966 $) and a complimentary letter of reference.
Lloyd then told me he had called Tom Coyle the JD dealer in my college town to let him know I’d likely need a job.
I could go on and on about my great experiences with the family.
Theron & Lloyd even sold me a 1934 JD “D” for $50 as a toy to ix up!
Sorry for your loss, Rod. Thinking of you guys.
Prayers to all of you as you mourn the passing of Dixie. Mom and Dad always had a fun time when they were with your parents.
I met Dixie in exercise class, such a fun and upbeat person she always had a smile. RIP my friend.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the Harper family
So sorry for your loss. Dixie was a great person. Hugs to you all. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
My prayers go out to the family. Dixie was a beautiful person and I feel lucky to have known her. I pray for comfort to the family. She and Theron raised a wonderful caring family. Hugs to you all.
My condolences on the passing of Dixie. My parents highly valued the friendship shown by Theron and Dixie through the years.
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time!
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for friends and family.
As an employee of Deems and being friends with the entire family is is a sad time.
I have such good memories of playing bridge with Dixie many years ago. My thoughts are with Theron and her children.