Dixie Jane (Lisenby) Bonser, 96, passed away June 4, 2023. She was born July 25, 1926 to Ted and Edna (McKinney) Lisenby. Mom was the third of six children. Mom and her siblings grew up in what is known as the greatest generation, where you worked hard, played hard, ate what was put on the table and were grateful you had food, respected your elders and spoke when spoken to. They didn't have much money, but the love given was far better than all the gold in the world.

As a youth, she attended Nichols School where she learned to play the violin and tap dance. As the girls learned to tap, they were asked to perform at local events and travelled to Jefferson City and performed before Congress. That was a big deal in the thirties. Mom attended Strafford Schools, where she received many awards. In 1944, Mom started her career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T) as a switchboard operator. From that position she became a Service Representative and later Commercial Observer, from which she retired in 1980.

She was an active member of the Pioneers, which she loved, especially Camp Blue Bird. Mom was an avid reader from childhood until the last year.  Mom enjoyed sewing for Sue and Dick and many of her nieces. Her handiwork of crochet, needlepoint, macrame, cross stitch and hand quilting were a pure joy to her. Mom was a member of Sac River Cowboy Church.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, J.H. "Buck" Bonser; brothers Jack and his son Ronnie, Richard and two of his  daughters Debbie and Dianne; Bud and his wife Ester (Steury) and their children Garry, Larry and Becky; sisters Betty (Lisenby) Gabriel and husband Paul; JoAnn (Lisenby) Roberts and husband Jim and her much beloved son Dick "Magoo" McGuire.

Surviving daughter, Susie McGuire of Oklahoma City; nieces and nephews Cyndi and Mark, Drew, Dee Ann and Kristi, Kent, Sharon, Nancy, and Ron; Aunt Sue and their respected families.  Two very special young men, Ryan and Blake, who knew mom as "Granny Dixie."

Celebration of Life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home Thursday, June 15, 2023. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM; services beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Springfield National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Springfield Pioneers, 600 St. Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806 or your favorite charity.

I would like to thank Magnolia Square and Seasons Hospice for loving mom and giving her beautiful care, and giving me the hugs through my tears that I needed. Blessings to each and every one of you, Love Susie.

The funeral service will be live streamed and can be viewed here .