Dixie Marie Choate , 90, of Santa Maria, CA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 19, 2016. Dixie was born on September 11, 1925 in Metropolis, Illinois and lived in many places before settling in Santa Maria in 1986. She was married to the love of her life, Robert Choate, for 57 years. Dixie was primarily a homemaker who took pride in raising her children, but she was always very involved in her churches, served as choir director for many churches, loved to sing in the choir, and volunteered for many organizations throughout her life. She was the true meaning of a giver. Dixie lived her life as a faithful servant of the Lord and was a devoted member of Lifeway Fellowship Church for many years before her passing. She was affectionately known as “Mun” to so many, a name she so proudly gave herself when she became a grandmother. She always saw the beauty in everyone and everything. She loved to sing, entertain, and perform her Mayme Lou (Minnie Pearl’s sister) skit on her roller-skates. She also loved gardening, playing tennis, quilting, cooking, playing cards with her family, and even wrote her own book called “Munner’s Moments” which she was very proud of. And she was also so very proud of her age, and loved telling anyone and everyone how she was 90. What a beautiful soul she was, who brightened up any room or occasion with her presence. She was truly a gift that kept on giving. Dixie is survived by her daughters, Carol Freitas of Santa Maria, CA, Barbara Engstrom of Bakersfield, CA, and son, David Choate of Torrance, CA. She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren: Teri DeHart, Kim Sabedra, Laurie Bravo, Leslie Ramsey, Matthew Choate, Ben Choate and Dillon Choate; and 9 great-grandchildren whom she deeply cherished. Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, Ulysses her husband, Bob; her sister, Ruby; her grandson, Nathan; and her great-granddaughter, Willow; and many other family members and dear friends. Her family takes pride in knowing she is rejoicing in heaven with all of them now. Dixie’s family would like to thank Dr. Bob Okerblom and his entire office staff for their wonderful care for many years. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Dudley Hoffman Mortuary. There will be a private burial for the family on March 4, 2016. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00pm at Pacific Christian Church in Santa Maria, with a reception immediately following at the same location. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (www.tsalliance.org) in memory of Dixie/in honor of her dear great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Sabedra who has TS. Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memory Gardens.