Dixie Lee Swaim Stump, 86, of Johnston formerly of Selma, passed away on September 5, 2024 at MeadowView of Johnston.
She was born August 17, 1938 in Bladensburg to Harold and Marjorie Kunzman Swaim. She married her high school sweetheart Joe Stump July 13, 1956.
Growing up on a farm in Davis County, Dixie graduated from Selma High School in 1956 and was a standout basketball player. In later years, on special occasions she would show us her hook shot while playing in the driveway. Later she followed the Boston Celtics and always loved Larry Bird. Dixie and Joe made their home in Selma and began raising their three children, Julie, Mitchell and Jill. They moved to Ankeny, Iowa, in 1966.
While living in Ankeny Dixie worked at the Des Moines Postal Service, retiring in 1998. During her career she was named Miss Air Mail. She attended Ankeny First United Methodist Church. Dixie enjoyed playing Bridge with her Bridge Club, traveling and loved Major League Baseball. Most importantly, loved attending her grandchildren’s activities. After retiring Dixie and Joe moved back to Selma and lived in the Stump family home.
Surviving is her husband of 68 years, Joe; daughters, Julie (Todd) Hauser of Solon and Jill (Randy) Hinders of Johnston; a son, Mitchell Stump of Iowa City; 5 grandchildren, Lee (Erica) Hauser, Melinda (Chip) Stump, Zachery Stump, Rachel (Wyatt) Schmitt and Ross (Julia) Hinders; a great granddaughter, Mara Hauser; and a sister, Polly Swaim.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmothers, Louise Gladson and Mary Dell Carlson Swaim; grandson, Nicholas Stump Hauser; granddaughter, Michaela Stump and a sister, Beverly Langstraat.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 10th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends one hour prior to the service Tuesday.
Burial will be in Iowaville Cemetery near Selma.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Iowa Chapter.
