Dixie Rose (McKay) Fried

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Friend, and Community Leader

Dixie Rose (McKay) Fried, 87, entered heaven’s gates on March 22, 2025, surrounded by friends and family as she peacefully found her way home to re-embrace her sweet hubby, Geoff.

Dixie came into the world on a winter’s day, December 29, 1937, in Winner, South Dakota, born to Doris (Pauli) and Dick McKay. The third of five sisters, Dixie grew up a small-town girl who spent her early years between the family farm, a one-room schoolhouse, and the dusty magic of the horse track beside her father. She later moved into town to attend Winner High School, graduating in 1955. A natural leader, Dixie found an early calling in faith-based organizations and extracurriculars, culminating in her role as Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters International her senior year. Her journey then led her to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied for two years but more importantly, met her beloved sweetheart, Geoff. The two were married in August 1957 and shared a blissful 66-year marriage.

As Dixie often said, “There weren’t many career options for women back in my day.” Yet, ever passionate about education, she pursued a twenty-year career in the field, beginning in 1957. Amid several moves across the Midwest for Geoff’s career, Dixie proudly earned her B.A. at the University of Northern Iowa while teaching in multiple school districts. She later completed her Master’s in Education at the University of Missouri. In St. Louis, she transitioned into school administration where she found great success. When Geoff’s job presented an opportunity to move to Southern California in 1976, Dixie continued her administrative career in the Norwalk-La Mirada School District, but was unfortunately impacted by Proposition 13 in 1978.

Seeking a new path, Dixie embraced real estate as her next chapter. Once she found her footing in the industry and a new community, there was no stopping her magnetic personality and memorable name. She thrived for over 40 years with four different brokerages, earning recognition as the top listing agent and overall top producer in West Orange County in both 1992 and 1993. Her motto was “Integrity and Service.”

Dixie’s impact reached far beyond the workplace and into the heart of her community. She became one of the first female members of the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach and eventually served as President. She co-founded the Los Alamitos Education Foundation and was actively involved in numerous other organizations, including the Los Alamitos Youth Center, P.E.O. International, the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club, and Los Altos United Methodist Church.

Due to her remarkable dedication and service to her community, Dixie was named the “Woman of the Year” by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce in 1996. In 2001, she was honored as “Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Citizen of the Year” by Cypress College at the Americana Awards.

Dixie led an active and fulfilling retirement, immersing herself in three book clubs, an investment club, a film studies group, and the Long Beach Symphony Pops. She became an avid walker, completing three Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60-mile walks, the Big Sur Half Marathon, and her infamous 10-mile Huntington Beach loop every Friday -- always capped with a celebratory beer and sandwich at Mother’s Tavern! Ever the adventure-seeker, Dixie even went skydiving at age 74 for her grandson’s 21st birthday. She and Geoff shared a passion for travel, exploring 35 countries across five continents with family and friends. Most importantly, she cherished attending her grandchildren's events and remained committed to various volunteer efforts.

Dixie is survived by her two daughters, Julie Kadletz and Mary Diligent; sons-in-law Tim Kadletz and Dennis Diligent; and four “perfect” grandchildren -- Zachary and Hannah Kadletz, and Marley and Sebastian Diligent. She is also survived by her three sisters -- Jean Lembrick, Judy Schroeder, and Jayne Montemer. Dixie was preceded in death by her parents; son, Andrew Joseph; husband, Geoff; and sister, Helen Crownover.

True to her signature wit, Dixie often said she wanted to be remembered as “young and cute.” While that is undeniable, she will be remembered even more so for her magnanimous spirit and unwavering devotion to her family, faith, friends, and community. A memorial service for Dixie is scheduled for Friday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. at Los Altos United Methodist Church, located at 5950 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90815. A reception will follow at The Gathering, located at 4705 Flora Park Way, Cypress, CA 90720 (across from the entry on Enterprise).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to brailleinstitute.org.