Submitted by: Dan Rich

Dixie A. Elmerick

April 12, 1930 - March 3, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - Dixie A. Elmerick of South Bend went home to be with the Lord, her husband and her son on Monday, March 3, 2008, at the age of 77. She was born April 12, 1930, in South Bend, the daughter of Albert and Leeta (Singrey) Niven, and had remained a lifelong resident.

On November 13, 1949, in South Bend, as Dixie Ann Niven, she was united in marriage to Donald M. "Sonny" Elmerick. Together, they enjoyed 56 years of marriage until his passing on December 4, 2005. A son, Dwayne Elmerick, also passed away on March 15, 1983, and her brother, Al Niven, preceded her as well. Mrs. Elmerick is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Darlene (Eldon) Watts of South Bend; three sons, Donald "Arnie" (Diane) Elmerick of Columbus, IN, David Elmerick and Dennis Elmerick, both of South Bend. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Christian (Michelle) Elmerick, Rick (Nicky) Watts, Courtney (Keenen) Lane, Denise (Reco) Hodges, Justin Elmerick, Robin Elmerick, Cari Elmerick, Shea Elmerick and Colin Elmerick; and eight great-grandchildren. A sister, Shirley (Bud) Davis of South Bend, survives Dixie as well. Dixie was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was all the world to her. She enjoyed her birds and doing crafts.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2008, in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Cheryl Ennis will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Dixie A. Elmerick may be made to the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.