Dixie Ann Aldridge

Dixie Ann Aldridge, 92, of Parsons, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2026.

She was born on September 3, 1933, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to George and Viola Ann (Evans) Mingel. The family later lived in Leavenworth, before moving to Parsons in 1943.

Dixie attended Lincoln, Garfield, and Parsons East Junior High schools and graduated from Parsons High School in 1951. Even in grade school, her penmanship was so exceptional that teachers hired her to complete writing work for them.

When she first moved to Parsons, she and her two sisters enjoyed walking near the railroad tracks and Adam’s Bluff along Labette Creek, where they spent many afternoons collecting arrowheads. Her father passed away when she was a young teenager. During high school, she worked at Brenner’s Drug Store and did a great deal of babysitting. In 1955, she started working at Hallmark Cards until the plant closed in 1961 and later worked for Fred Ronalds.

On April 14, 1957, she married James “Jim” Aldridge at First Methodist Church in Parsons. They were nearing their 69th wedding anniversary.

Always one to stay busy, Dixie took a break from employment to raise her four children, all born within seven years. She later worked at the Parsons High School cafeteria for 28 years, serving as assistant manager for seven years and manager for eight years.

Dixie enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and bird watching. She was especially fond of flowers. Several summers she canned more than 100 quarts of green beans. She and Jim loved traveling together, taking memorable trips to Hawaii, Mexico, California, and Colorado. After retiring, she especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a consistent figure at the Parsons Farmers Market, selling vegetables and plants she grew along with Jim and Perry. She loved visiting with people at the market and was quick to offer growing and care advice. She also operated a small craft business, “Stitches by Dixie,” selling her handmade crafts at Katy Days and local craft shows. Dixie kept a daily journal, a practice she began in the 1950’s, faithfully recording the day’s events, the daily high and low temperatures, and how many miles she walked. She averaged about two miles a day if the weather was fair, well into her late 80’s. Dixie was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Jim; her children, Perry Aldridge, Penny Wolverton (Jeff), Kip Aldridge (Jasmin), and Kara Aldridge, all of Parsons; five grandchildren, Miranda Wolverton, Derek Wolverton, Kamri Hardy (Pat), Kaleb Aldridge, and Kamylle Aldridge; and one great-grandchild, Kaden Wolverton. She is also survived by a sister, Mary Lou Kounter of New Mexico.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, and a sister, Nancy Williams.

Dixie will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Notably sentimental, among the many handwritten notes tucked in her sewing drawer, one reminds us, “Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tries, a touch that never hurts.”

Per her wishes, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place under the care of Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Friends may call at the family farm from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Memorials are suggested to Faith United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.