Dixie Lee Pakaki

Dixie Lee Erickson Pakaki made heaven her final destination on March 13, 2024.  She was 92 years old, and resided at the Sunset Home in Concordia, Kansas.  Dixie Woodring was born in Salina, Kansas, the youngest of three sisters.  Her parents were Jewell and Fred Woodring.  In 1946, Dixie moved to Concordia and married her high school sweetheart, Loren Joe Erickson.  Dixie and Joe worked together in a variety of business ventures before Dixie focused on being a full-time Mom and raising their four children, Larry, Dana, David and Eric.

Dixie was active in church and youth activities, PTA, station wagon transporter, and was known as a cool Mom with the neighborhood kids—she was always ready and willing to join the kids in snow sledding, swimming, or playing games.  Everyone in the neighborhood knew that when they heard Dixie’s ear-splitting whistle, it was time for her kids to return home.  Dixie often exhibited her “Woodring Sisters’ laugh”—and will be forever loved for her sense of humor.  Dixie and Joe loved to travel throughout the U.S. and abroad.  

In 1981, Dixie made Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii her home.  She enjoyed living on her “island heaven on earth”.  In 1984, Dixie married Ernest Pakaki.  After Ernest died, Dixie moved to Kerrville, Texas to live near her two sisters and their husbands.  Later, Dixie moved to Salina, then to Concordia, residing at the Sunset Home.

Always on the go, Dixie lived a full and adventurous life—whether it was riding a camel in Israel, or visiting friends in the former Yugoslavia.  She loved life and was loved, and will be fondly remember by those whose lives she touched through her journey in life.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband’s Joe Erickson and Ernest Pakaki;  her sisters Betty (Charles) Scheibler and Ailene (Bob) Hagler.  She leaves a heritage of three generations by her four children:  Larry (Susan) Erickson of Phoenix, Arizona; Dana (Mark) Cunningham, Topeka, Kansas;  David Erickson of Concordia;  and Eric Erickson of Euless, Texas.  David’s family—grandkids Evan, Jordan (Esther) with great-grandkids Nora, Mina, and Marcus; and grandkids Tiffany, Braden, Calen, and Aaron—all in Kansas.  Eric’s family—grandkids Taylor (James), with great grandkids Camden and Reese; and grandkid Connor—in Texas.

There will be no formal funeral service—a private family event celebrating Dixie’s life will occur at a later date. For online condolences please visit Nuttermortuary.com

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