Dixie Joyce McKelvey's Obituary
Dixie Joyce McKelvey, age 84, of Lakeview, passed away August 3, 2015 at Lakeview Terrace with family by her side. Dixie was born in Sturgis, Michigan on October 22, 1930, the daughter of Manley and Lillian (Abbey) Hansen.
She was raised in Lakeview, living above Hansen Supermarket. Main Street was her playground. She graduated from Lakeview High School Class of 1948. She worked for her father at the grocery store from childhood to adulthood until the business was sold to the Leppinks family upon her father's passing. She worked for Leppinks as a cashier until retiring and then Countryside Pharmacy for two years. Dixie fell in love with the meat cutter's son and married Cliff McKelvey on January 1, 1950 at her parents' home. She came down the stairwell in her white wedding dress and they were married in front of the fireplace.
Dixie was "A true Lakeview-itte"; she loved and was proud of her small town. Her greatest goal was helping other people. She was a Santa Claus Girl, the Chairwoman of the 100 year Centennial Store Committee, a member of the Eastern Stars of Lakeview and then Six Lakes. Her many hobbies included golfing, bowling, following grandchildren with their many sports and activities, where she always brought a bag of treats. Dixie loved the color Pink and loved to add a "Splash" of pink to golf especially when she played with friends from Holland Lake.
Dixie will be missed by her children Michael (Linda) McKelvey and Nancy (Randy) Snyder both of Lakeview, and Kathy Pierce of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren Melissa (Brian) Charron of Remus, Matthew (Tasha) McKelvey of Lakeview, Sarah (Paul) Engelsman of Lakeview, Eric Snyder and Kyle (Emily) Pierce, and Jason (Crystal) Pierce all of Grand Rapids; one sister-in-law Judy (Gale) VanderWal of Wyoming; ten great-grandchildren; and several close nieces and nephews.
Dixie was preceded in death by her husband Cliff McKelvey; her parents Manley and Lillian Hansen; one grandchild baby Macy Snyder; one sister Gloria Jean Mulholland; and one son-in-law Harold "Doc" Pierce.
At the request of the family, a private graveside service will be held, where Dixie and Cliff will be interred in eternal peace together. Memorial Contributions in Dixie's memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 400 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, MI 48850.
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