Dixie Ann Arter, 87, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, passed unexpectedly on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Ft. Wayne after a fall at her home.
Dixie was born on December 4, 1937, in Gilead, Indiana, to the late Lewis and Edyth L. (Powell) Myers. A 1955 graduate of Akron High School, she later pursued studies at Indiana University in Fort Wayne. On February 24, 1957, she married Stephen G. Arter in Akron, Indiana. He preceded her in death on June 21, 2003.
Throughout her life, Dixie embraced a variety of roles. She worked as an investigator for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and as a dedicated homemaker raising her family. Her professional journey also included positions as a bartender at The Retreat in Fort Wayne and a sales and advertising associate for Cummins Printing as well as being self employed, where she specialized in selling coffee cups, placemats, and menus to small restaurants. Additionally, she traveled extensively, visiting Sierra Leone on behalf of the United Methodist Church, and inspecting migrant camp in Northern Indiana. She also performed tasks for the U.S. Census Bureau, units her retirement.
Dixie’s home was always open to many. She graciously hosted Christian missionaries touring the country and exchange students from Africa. Her holiday gatherings were renowned, as she held festive Christmas parties and open houses for years. Her generosity extended to her children’s friends, offering them a place to stay. She served as a 4-H Club leader in Fort Wayne, hosting meetings in her home.
Deeply involved in her community, Dixie volunteered with the YWCA and served on the board supporting the women’s shelter for displaced homemakers. Since 1971, she was an active member of the First Wayne Street United Methodist Church where she was lay leader. She was also lay leader in the former Northern Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. In her younger years, she was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship in Akron, Indiana.
In retirement, Dixie cherished her time at home, relishing the company of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her devoted companion of many years, Chuck. Her legacy of love, generosity, and service continues to inspire all who knew her.
She is survived by her companion Chuck Ramsey of Ft. Wayne; children Paul Arter and wife Natalia of Phoenix, Arizona and Peggy Good Hoyle and husband Steven of Bloomington; grandchildren Adrian, Lauro, Anthony, Xochitl Ann, Stephen, and Martin; 10 Great Grandchildren; and sister Sandra and husband Tom Sissel of Vermont; and a niece and nephew.
Dixie was preceded in death by her parents Lewis Myers Jr. and Edyth Rohr, husband Stephen, an infant brother Jay Myers, and a sister Carolyn Koenig.
The funeral service will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 12, 2025 at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church 300 E Wayne St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 with the Rev. Dr. Mark Finstermacher officiating.
Her interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana at 2:00 pm, following the service, with Pastor David Eaton providing the committal service.
Visitation hours will be held from 10 am to 11 am, Saturday, April 12, 2025 at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Parkview Health Foundation 3844 New Vision Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46845.
