100 years of waltzing through life

The year Sadie Dixon was born, Albert Einstein published his theory of relativity.

During her lifetime, the Sedgewickville, Mo. woman has seen the invention of television, the Atomic bomb, Band-aids, air conditioning and McDonalds.

She's lived through six wars.

And now, on her 100th birthday, she wants to dance.

Up and down the hallways at Jackson Manor, Dixon has been practicing her waltz steps with the aid of her walker.

"I still remember the steps and I do okay with the walker," said Dixon. "I don't know how I'll do when I have a real partner."

POSING FOR THE CAMERA: Dixon as a young girl in Sedgewickville.

Dixon, the oldest yet one of the most active residents at Jackson Manor, had a family birthday party Saturday and will celebrate again on her actual birthday, Oct. 18, with an open house at the nursing home.

She's lived there for past five years and has become the unofficial "welcome wagon" for all newcomers.

"If anybody will stop, she'll talk to them," said Larry Dixon, her 63-year-old son

Even at 99, Dixon doesn't take any medication. She spends her days playing Bingo or Rummikub and participating in group exercises. Six times a day, she walks to end of her hallway. Every time she reaches the end, she prays.

STEPPING OUT: Sadie Dixon spent 85 years of her life on the family farm in Sedgewickville, Mo.

Ask her about her life, and Dixon will reply, "I don't where to start."

She'll talk about the family farm in Bollinger County where she spent 85 of her years. She'll talk about her favorite hobbies: crocheting and playing games.

Dixon always wears earrings and keeps patriotic memorabilia hanging on the door to her room and on her walls, next to family photographs.

"It's amazing how active and involved she is at 100," said Teresa Birk, Dixon's granddaughter.

Birk said the family has hired a band for Dixon's party.

"The trouble has been finding a man for her to dance with who knows how to waltz," she said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

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