Dixie Lou Hanby, 69, went to the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.
Dixie was born July 27, 1947 in Matewan, West Virginia to Hobert Blankenship and Ellen Dunn. She spent her early childhood there and later moved to Peru where she spent the remainder of her life. She was married to Fred Bishop from 1967 to 1986 and had three children: Fred, Karen, and Scott. She later married Jim Hanby in 1995, living many wonderful and happy years together and expanding her family.
Dixie was a graduate of Peru High School, class of 1966. Always a hard worker, she often held multiple jobs. She worked at several area factories and restaurants; namely: Eck-Adams, General Tire, Essex, Berko, Controls, Tally Ho, and the Moose Lodge. She often reminisced about her time at Tally Ho and Berko.
Standing at just over 4 feet tall, Dixie was a feisty, but loving, little spitfire from the south. Known and loved for her selfless generosity and hospitality, she was always concerned about others more than herself. No one left her home hungry, it simply was not allowed. She loved to cook, especially for large family gatherings. She also enjoyed growing her own vegetables in her garden, especially tomatoes. Most of all she loved her family and friends dearly. She was such a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Dixie is survived by her loving husband Jim Hanby of Peru, daughter Karen Featherstone of Mexico, IN, sons Fred Bishop (Michelle) of Peru, and Scott Bishop (Melissa) of Lafayette. Also surviving are step-daughters April Hanby (Gina), Lori Clark (Wayne), Ashley Church (Danny), Jerri Durfee; and step-son Jim Hanby. She was a loving grandmother to Andrew, Samuel, Nikki, Deven, Rebeka, Hayden, Patrik, Joslyn, James, Aaron, Taylor, Angelica, Chase, Elicia, Chris, Meghan, Stephanie, and Christopher; and a great-grandmother to Cameron. She is also survived by her sister Gleda Mounts (Kenny) and brother Zena Dotson (Sheila), and many brothers and sisters-in-law who she loved.
She was preceded in death by her father Hobert Blankenship, mother Ellen Dunn, and step-father Charles Dunn.
Visitation will be from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral service will be 10am on Monday, April 10, 2017 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home with Pastor Vince Darland officiating, and burial will be at Reyburn Cemetary, Peru, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made to Dixie’s husband and children.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.