"Ida was such a special lady and always one of my favorite Malvernians. I was talking about her passing with my family and my oldest son remembers going to her shop to help my mom clean. Precious memories! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family."
In loving memory of
Ida Bess Dixon
January 28, 1944 - January 2, 2024
Ida Bess Dixon, 79, of Omaha, NE and former Malvern, IA resident, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the CHI Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Charles E. and Florence M .Lakin Community Center in Malvern, IA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern is caring for Ida Bess and her family.
Memorials: Malvern Historical Society or MABA (Malvern Area Betterment Association)
OBITUARY
Ida Bess Dixon, 79 of Omaha, NE, formerly of Malvern, IA, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at CHI Health Lakeside Hospital in Omaha.
Ida Bess was born on January 28, 1944, in Worland, WY, the youngest daughter of Blaine Burton and Ocle Irene (Caudell) Dickersbach. While living in Wyoming, her father suffered a fatal stroke as a result of an accident while working in the sugar beet industry. The family later moved to live in Malvern. Ida Bess graduated from Malvern High School with the class of 1962. She owned and operated her own hair salon, Ida's Cut & Curl, located next to the Malvern Bank, for many years until her retirement.
Ida and Delvin Dean Henderson were united in marriage on February 27, 1965, at the Malvern Presbyterian Church. They were blessed with a son, Trevor Dean, in 1968. Delvin passed away on December 13, 1972, in Lincoln, NE.
Ida and Bill Gene Dixon were united in marriage on May 10, 1974, in Malvern, and opened a clothing store on Main Street. After living in town for several years, they ultimately made their home on the Ralph Bower family farm just east of Malvern on Blue Grass Road, a home Ida had known from her youth where her cousins lived. The couple was blessed with a son, Jonathan Blaine (J.B.) in 1976.
Ida was a member of the BPW (Business Professional Women) in Malvern, supporting the Malvern community hosting and supporting many events, luncheons, and dinners. Ida was active socially all her life in Malvern and enjoyed regular lunches and coffee time with friends. She was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. She and Bill were great supporters of Trevor and J.B.'s many activities, and played host to many sleepovers, noisy rock band practices, and meals for friends and teammates. In 1995, Ida and Bill won the Malvern "Fans of the Year" award. They later attended their grandchildren's events, school activities, and concerts. Ida loved playing card games with family and friends; beating her sister Sam at "Spite and Malice" was a particular favorite. She enjoyed traveling, country and polka music, and square dancing with Bill. More than anything, Ida's baking and cooking reputation was legendary. During the holidays, she would make 12 dozen of 12 different types of cookies (and 12 different candies) which she shared with her family, special friends, Malvern businesses, and the Methodist Women's cookie walk at the Festival of Trees.
Ida and Bill moved to Lincoln in 2016 to be closer to their grandkids, but they traveled often to Malvern to visit her many friends or attend special events. Ida resided at Brookstone Village care center in Omaha since late 2022 after complications from a surgery. Ida was a wonderful wife, mother, "Granny", and a good friend to all who knew and loved her.
Ida was preceded in death by her parents, Blaine and Ocle; first husband Delvin; sisters, Sherry Lou at birth, and Linda Lou in infancy; her beloved brother Burt Dickersbach; brother-in-law Robert McWhirter; and nephew Brian McWhirter.
Ida is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Bill Dixon of Lincoln; sons, Trevor Henderson and wife Janine and their daughter Ashleigh of Omaha, and J.B. Dixon and Brenda Johnson and his children, Blaine and Emily of Lincoln; sister Sandra Kay McWhirter of Baxter, IA; Julie McWhirter and children, Hunter and Hannah McWhirter; extended relatives and a host of many special friends.
Tributes
"My sympathy to all of Ida Bess?s family. I enjoyed knowing her for many years"
"I remember Ida Bess when I stayed with my aunt and uncle, John and Ethel Waller, in the summer. They lived next door to Ida Bess and her family. I always looked forward to visiting with them. I am so sorry to hear about Ida Bess. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the family. God Bless you and may HE give you strength and peace during this sad time . Sharyl Stevens, Red Oak, Iowa. "
"Bill, Trev, JB, and your families - So sorry and sad to hear of Ida's passing. I remember her fondly growing up in Malvern. My sincere sympathy is with you all at this time. -- Jeff Melton"
"To Bill, Trevor, JB, and family -- We are sad to hear of your loss. Ida was a most special person. May your fond memories of her give you comfort and peace of mind. -- Nancy and Bach Bakehouse"