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BORN
1932
DIED
2023
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Dixie Harper Obituary
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.
She is survived by daughter Kathi Hunsinger, sons Kevin (Becky, Theresa, Theron Craig), Rod (Barbara, Erica, Rod Jr.), son-in-law Jim Spring (Travis, Kelly Renick), grandchildren: Jeanne, Julie, Jennifer, Branden, Whitney, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
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. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dixie Harper
4 Entries
Nancy Vogel
December 29, 2024
I grew up on a family farm in Grant Township, the farmstead that was featured in "The Day After" (the ABC-TV film). My uncle was a Studebaker & John Deere dealer in Phillips County. We had a tan Studebaker truck that was also a "dump" truck. When my mother drove it to pick up my brother (Jerry) and me from Bismarck School one day, she did not realize she had also activated the dump feature. We all gave thanks she did not hit any power lines!
Also, I still have a John Deere green/yellow toy tractor of that vintage! ----Nancy Vogel
Happy 2025!
Teresa (Teri) Griffin-Guntert
January 13, 2023
My sincere sympathy, I send on behalf of my family and children, Ehren, Tayler and Jordan. We are praying that sweet memories flood the areas of your suffering and pain to get you through these darkest hours for all family members. Dixie was a pleasant and peaceful person to be around.
David Davis
January 12, 2023
As a child, I recall Dixie as a kind, caring and gracious lady and one of the pillars of our church. So sorry for your loss Theron.
Nancy Vogel
January 8, 2023
As a surviving representative of my family (John, Irene, and Jerry Vogel), I send my condolences on the passing of Dixie. The Deems firm was crucial to the operation of our Century Farm in Grant Township. I recall how proud my father was to drive home a new John Deere tractor and plow from Deems. Dad's brother, Howard, was a John Deere dealer in Phillips County. My condolences, Theron and Family. --Nancy Vogel
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Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
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