Dixie Lee Hnanicek 1933-2026

Born Jan. 12, 1933, in Youngstown, she was the daughter of the late Neal Kiffer and Vivian McRill Martin. Dixie grew up with a strong sense of curiosity and independence, qualities that carried her throughout her life. She graduated from Harbor High School with the Class of 1950 and later married the love of her life, Gene Hnanicek, on Aug. 19, 1972. Together they built a life filled with devotion, hard work and deep affection for family.

Dixie was well known in the community as the owner and operator of Wild Bird Crossing in the Edgewood Plaza, where she shared her love of nature and birds with countless customers over the years. Her warm smile, gentle spirit and genuine interest in others made her shop a welcoming place for friends old and new.

Family was at the heart of everything Dixie did. She is survived by her children, Curtis (Jane) Pavlick, Christine Cochran and Sue (Mike) Buehner; her sister, Georgean Witkoski; daughter-in-law, Virgie Pavlick; 11 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene, in 2018; her son, Marc Pavlick; as well as her parents.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Ducro Funeral Home, 4524 Elm Ave., Ashtabula, OH 44004, where friends and family will be received 10 to 11 a.m.

Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memory Gardens in North Kingsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory may be given to a charity of your choice.

Ducro Funeral Services is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be shared at www.ducro.com.

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