1941-2026
Maria “Dixie” Manuella Smith, 84, of Winfield, KS, peacefully slipped away to be with her heavenly father and family on May 17, 2026, at Winfield Rest Haven.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, June 5, 2026 at Holy Name Catholic Church of Winfield. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 AM, prior to Mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-6 PM Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home in Winfield. Memorial Contributions in her name may be made to the Cowley County Humane Society; donations may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Dixie was born June 23, 1941, in Norton, KS. She was the daughter of Martin F. Davis and Mary C. (Maldonado) Smith. She lived at the T.B. Sanatorium in Norton as a child, moving to St. Louis, MO, then to Wichita, KS where she attended school, finishing high school in Omaha, NE and attending Cowley County Community College. Dixie worked at the Winfield State Hospital for over 30 years. She also was an active member at Holy Name. Dixie enjoyed many activities, including collecting Coca-Cola products, Garfield memorabilia, and coins; she liked playing pitch and bridge with her friends at the Senior Center. Maria volunteered at 4-H and Girl Scouts; she also worked at the Walnut Valley Festival and was a member of the Red Hat Society. Dixie was an animal lover, and she dearly loved her cats Nutsy and Cici.
Dixie is survived by her aunt and uncle Lupe and Antonio Tapia Sr, and cousin Pat Cato, as well as numerous other cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, and her daughter Carrie Lynn Smith.
