Dixie Lee Soice

Dixie Lee Soice, 76, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday, March 18, 2016, in her home following a long illness with her loving husband by her side.

Dixie was born May 10, 1939 in Goshen, a daughter of the late Max and Isabel (Michael) Kettlebar. She grew up in Goshen and was the Salutatorian of the 1957 Class at Goshen High School.

On May 29, 1969 in Goshen, Dixie married Kenneth G. Soice. Following marriage they lived in Goshen and Mishawaka.

Dixie was employed for 30 years at Marian High School in Mishawaka where she was Associate Business Manager for many years.

Dixie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She enjoyed writing poetry and when she was young was a published poet. Dixie loved cooking and was especially known for her fudge at Christmas. She enjoyed crafts and traveling, especially to see her grandchildren. Dixie was known as “Buffalo Soldiers Mom” when she was active in collecting supplies for soldiers serving in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. She was also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Goshen.

Dixie’s surviving family includes her husband of over 46 years, Ken; three children, Robert (Kim) Soice of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Rebecca (David) Ferguson of Johnson City, New York and Mary (Robert) Nixdorf of Sound Beach, New York; five grandchildren, Jacob Soice, Josh Mata, Dreana Ferguson, Michael Ferguson and Thomas Nixdorf; a step grandchild, Jonathan Ferguson; two sisters, Sharon (Ted) Johnson of Goshen and Kathy Ward of Indianapolis; a brother, Michael (Rose) Kettlebar of Goshen; a brother-in-law, Dwight Goodwin of Goshen; and an uncle, Ken Michael of Elkhart.

Dixie was preceded in death by a sister, Patsy Goodwin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 23, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 pm in West Goshen Cemetery.

Friends may spend time with Dixie’s family Tuesday, March 22, from 4 - 8 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 4 pm.

Memorials are suggested to the Ken and Dixie Soice Memorial Scholarship Fund at Marian High School or the Center for Hospice Care. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.