ixie Lee Boyles, 91 years young, passed peacefully at her lake house on June 18, 2021, to begin her heavenly life.   Born in Southern Illinois in 1930, she spent most of her life as a proud Hoosier, residing in Marion, Hartford City, and Crawfordsville.  Dixie was a teacher and librarian in her working career, in Southport, Hartford City, and Crawfordsville Elementary Schools, where she truly loved spending time with the children for over 30 years.  She was instrumental in developing a program for gifted students, as well as helping to launch the district's first computer curriculum.   She taught many students to knit and quilt during Pioneer Days.  No role was more important to her, though, than that of wife, mother, granny and aunt. Family was ALWAYS her first priority, and she was beloved by her immediate as well as numerous extended family members.  The "Hallmark card lady" spread cheer to 90+ family members on birthdays and holidays until days before her death.  Dixie gave many hours of time to philanthropic organizations, Psi Otes being one of her favorites.  She was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, where she was an active member of the church circle and a volunteer at the Wesley Thrift Shop.  Dixie was an avid quilter, and enjoyed the many friendships she cultivated in several local guilds.  Many have been the recipient of her creations.  She was skilled in various handcrafts, and loved passing her knowledge on to others.  She loved chocolate, books, music (especially big band and Frank), and a variety of spectator sports. She was a loyal IU fan until the day she passed.  Dixie cherished the years spent at Lake George with family and friends.  Since 1985 she & Jack enjoyed winter retreats and sunsets at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, Florida.  Dixie never met a stranger, and would gladly share her opinions, wit, and personality with anyone who was fortunate enough to meet her.

She will be lovingly missed by her surviving family:  brother Larry Dovin (Sherry), children Beth (Dan), Bob (Denise), Paula (Jon), and Missy (Tom), grandchildren Ben (fiancé Brooke), Megan (fiancé Nick), Abby, Laurie (Dan), Matthew and Ryan.  She is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who adored her.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Joe Dovin, brother Bobby, and the love of her life Jack.

Special thanks to Franciscan Health, hospice care, and her angel care giver Paula.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Montgomery County Community Foundation, First United Methodist Church of Crawfordsville, or the Lake George Conservancy, 1042 S. Angola Rd., Coldwater, MI 49036

The funeral is set for Friday July 2 at First United Methodist Church in Crawfordsville. Calling will be from 9am-noon, with the funeral following at noon.