Theodora Brines (Risley) Dixon
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Theodora Dixon died February 12, 2023 in Lawrence, KS, just shy of 94. She lived a life surrounded by love and she gave as good as she got. Theodora (called Thede or Theo by friends) was known for her ready smile that squeezed her eyes shut and lit up her face, her quick wit, and friendly warmth. She was great fun to be around.
Theodora was born February 17, 1929, in Mt. Carmel, IL, daughter of Sherwood and Bernice Brines Risley.
Theodora met the love of her life in Mt. Carmel High School. She and Richard (Dick) Dixon were married right out of high school, in 1948. Their adventure together lasted nearly 50 years, until Dick’s death in 1996. They had two daughters, April and Toni.
As newlyweds, Dick and Thede rode a Harley Davidson Knucklehead from Illinois to California, camping in Yellowstone and exploring the Southwest. Her whole life, Theodora loved to travel. When Dick got his pilot’s license, they bought Bonanzas and flew from the Bermuda Triangle to Montana and everywhere in between. Later they exchanged the plane for an RV and kept traveling.
They moved to Tulsa, OK in 1957 where Dick and Thede started their own oil well servicing company. In 1971 they moved to the Cheyenne Creek Ranch, near Caney, KS. They rode Quarter horses, raised cattle, and enjoyed wonderful times with friends from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois.
After Dick’s death, Theodora remained on the ranch until 2003, then moved to Lawrence, KS. There she added “practically-another-daughter”, Janet Lukehart, and Janet’s mother, Jean, to her loving family. Theodora joined the First Christian Church, Welcome Club, a Tai Chi group, and volunteered for the Lied Center, the Christmas Shoebox project and the Red Cross. She never missed a City Band Concert or the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade. She was an avid Jayhawk fan, gathering the family for “Lucky Soup” to cheer the Hawks.
Throughout her life, Theodora made new friends and stayed in touch with the longtime ones. She wrote letters, sent cards, and never missed a birthday or anniversary. She would surprise you with the most thoughtful things. Friends she met in kindergarten and high school, through her neighborhoods, churches, kids, volunteering, Quarter horses, and the oil patch were with her for a lifetime.
Theodora’s family meant everything. Hers was a life of giving and receiving love, a life with laughter. She was a homemaker and a gardener extraordinaire, transforming every home with beautiful flower gardens and trees. She loved all kinds of music, from Patti Page to Rock ‘n’ Roll and beyond. To the end, she knew the lyrics of any hymn. Theodora loved animals and always had dogs, cats, horses, and even a parrot in her life.
She was preceded in death by husband, Dick; sister, Barbara Seibert; and brother-in-law, George Dixon. Missing her cheerful company are daughters, April Dixon and Toni Dixon, dear friend, Janet Lukehart; brother, Bingham Risley; sister-in-law, Dixy Dixon; niece and nephews, Karen Miller, Brent Seibert, Morris Seibert, and their families.
Theodora also leaves behind many wonderful friends who enriched her life from childhood to old age. Her loving spirit will be celebrated at a later date in her hometown, Mt. Carmel, IL, where she will be buried next to her soul mate, Dick.
Her family thanks the caregivers of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor and Visiting Nurses for their unfailing care and compassion.
Please consider memorial contributions in Theodora’s name to the Lawrence Humane Society or an animal rescue near you and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044.
April and Toni. I knew this day would come, but I’m still sad to think your beautiful Mom is gone. She talked to me about so many things and you girls were the lights of her life. She had lifelong friends, loved running, traveling and horses. She was very proud of you both, proud of her extended family, and loved animals. Bye Theodora.
Toni and April I was sad to read this , your mother was a wonder person
I have a lot of fond memories and laughter of her
I enjoyed visiting with her when I saw her
The few lunches we had
Thinking of you both
Mary Jane Hoffer
April, Toni and Janet – I am so sorry for your loss as I know your mom has left a big hole, but I also know she left a huge legacy of love and innumerable precious memories as well. I only met her a few times but even in that, I was immediately taken by what a big heart and wonderful personality she had. I love how much she loved nature and animals, especially that little Hoppy bird that drew us all together.
Through the days that follow I hope you find comfort in knowing how much she loved you and the gift that she was to so many.
Her quick wit, infectious smile and quiet strength will be deeply missed. However we were blessed to have loved, and been loved by her, for many decades. These precious memories will always keep her near to us.
Dear April, Toni and Janet,
What a sweet loving Mother you had. She did always have that beautiful smile when she was in the salon. I really enjoyed my time with her!
Her obituary reveals such a full life doing so many different adventures. She had a long and happy life and loved you all very much.
I know you will miss her dearly….
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve this life changing loss.
With deepest Sympathy and Love, Sue
Dear April, Toni, and Janet,
I cannot express in words the blessing mom was to me during my time at the manor. Singing with he, her favorite hymn, Jesus loves me this I know when I visited her reassured me day by day Jesus loves me. The joy to sing with her, the image of her face lighting up hearing the hymns even when she was asleep will always remain in my heart. The verse from Matthew 25:23 comes to my mind as I write this note to you about mom, Jesus said, “well done good and faithful servant, come and share your masters happiness.” Keeping you all in my heart in prayers.