Dixie Conkling

Dixie Lee (Drake) Conkling, 88, of Winterset, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025.

Dixie was born on July 19, 1936, in Dallas, Iowa, to Fred and Myrtle (Phillips) Drake. She grew up in a lively household with siblings Riley, Freda, Johnny, Beverly, Charlotte, and Roberta, later joined by two younger sisters, Carolyn and Judy. Dixie had a joyful childhood in Milo, Iowa, surrounded by love.

Dixie found love more than once, and through life’s trials and losses, she focused on strength and grace to raise her beloved daughter, Marla Kay. After spending time in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Dixie returned to Iowa in 2000 to be closer to family.

Dixie’s faith was a guiding light. She learned to love God at an early age through the influence of her great-aunt Addie, and that love remained with her always. Dixie often said, “God has blessed me every day of my life.”

She was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, having joined in 1970, and had been a member of the Winterset Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Marla Kay (Beaver) Mead; 3 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; and sisters, Judy and Roberta.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.