Dixie E. Toelkes

Dixie E. Toelkes, 79, of Topeka, died June 30, 2015 at Aldersgate. She was born on August 4, 1935 in Topeka, Kansas the daughter of Amon M. and Rachel (Williams) Hummer. She received two master's degrees from Kansas State University. Dixie was a Special Education Teacher for the Seaman School District from 1980 to 1990. She served in the Legislature from 1992 to 1998 where she was instrumental in passing a bill that required background checks for employees working in health care facilities. Dixie enjoyed reading, painting and researching family history. She was a member of Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Parish. She married Roger E. Toelkes in Topeka, Kansas on November 27, 1954. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her son, Jay R. (Sharon) Toelkes of Salem, Oregon and daughter, Jill A. (Gary) Beam of Topeka, a sister, Dolores Porter of Topeka, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Dixie was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie A. Toelkes, a brother, Randall M. Hummer, her father Amon Hummer, her mother, Rachel Hummer Wilson and a granddaughter, Aubrey Toelkes. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Mater Dei Assumption Catholic Church. Inurnment will be private in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the NE Kansas Alzheimer's Association, and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.