Dixie Braden

Dixie June Braden, 94, of Manhattan, Kansas, died on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Meadowlark Hills in Manhattan. She was born on June 1, 1931 in Cleburne, Kansas, the daughter of Carl and Verla (Hansen) Chapman. She grew up in Riley and Clay Counties, graduating from CCCHS in 1949.

Dixie married Gailen Braden on December 24, 1949 and the couple farmed in the Wakefield area until moving to Wakefield, when Gailen took the Postmaster position. In 2006, they moved to Manhattan, Kansas.

Dixie enjoyed dancing, especially at the Elk’s Club and sewing. She was also an avid golfer, she and Gailen were members of the Clay Center Country Club and played Scotch Golf on Fridays.

She is survived by her son, Jerry and wife, Deb Braden of Manhattan; son Rick and wife, Doretta Braden of Manhattan; daughter, Teresa Spellman and husband, Mark of Clay Center; son, Dennis and wife, Joni of Manhattan, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and her sister, Barbara Copeland of Sun City West, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gailen Braden, her parents and sister, Betty Hahn.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, Kansas.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:30AM the Wakefield Methodist Church in Wakefield, Kansas.

Inurnment will take place in the Highland Cemetery in Wakefield, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meadowlark Hills or the Wakefield Museum and can be sent in care of the funeral home.