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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | MARCH 2026 | 69 Dix Henneke lost his battle against COPD and passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California on January 29, 2026. He was born on August 28, 1950 in Goltry, Oklahoma to Holly and Norman Henneke and was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Norma Kaiser. Dix held a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma with an emphasis in Marketing as well as a Masters in Human Relations also from the University of Oklahoma. During his career, he worked in sales and marketing for Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and Spas as well as other companies in the spa industry for many years. Music was always an important facet of Dix's life and from a young age, with the encouragement of his parents, he began performing in talent competitions and at social events. He started his first band at age 13 and performed with 10 different bands over his 62-year musical career. Dix met Ellen in Orange County in 1995 and discovered their mutual love of music on their second date. The two were married in 1997 and in 1999 they began performing in venues in and around San Diego in a six-piece, blues-based band named ContraBand. The Hennekes moved to Sun Lakes in July 2018 and began performing together as "Elixir" with Dix playing acoustic, bass and electric guitar, and Ellen as primary vocalist. The duo performed an eclectic range of music including country, blues, pop, classic rock, and reggae. In addition to performing in Sun Lakes, they performed for numerous clubs throughout Sun Lakes as well as at Johnny Russo's Back Room. Dix also loved photography and he shared the beauty he found through his camera lens of the Sun Lakes community by posting his photography online for residents to enjoy. Many of his photos also graced the covers of Lifestyles Magazine (including the one for this issue) as well as the cover for the 2026 Sun Lakes phone book. He supported and volunteered his time and talents in support of the Sun Lakes Charitable Trust as well as acting as auctioneer for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church for their annual Christmas Tree Festival's Wassail Party for a number of years. Dix is survived by his wife of 29 years, Ellen, stepdaughter, Shelby Weinstein and husband Jim, two granddaughters, Natalie and Samantha, as well as his sister, Kay and her husband, Nick Werner. A Celebration of Life to honor Dix will be announced at a later date. Bonnie May Kramer, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025 in Greenbank, WA. Born on June 5, 1937 in Riverside CA, Bonnie was a devoted homemaker and a proud Marine veteran's wife. Bonnie and Raymond Kramer lived in Sun Lakes for over 35 years, enjoying the sunny weather. They made many close friends and neighbors. She was married to Raymond Kramer for 69 years, sharing a life filled with love and cherished memories. Bonnie is survived by her children, Arleen, Matt, Denise, and Melinda. She was a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Kramer, her twin sister, Georgia Reed, and parents Arleen and George Benson. Throughout her life, Bonnie enjoyed a variety of interests that included trout fishing, caring for her cats, interior decorating, and engaging in arts and crafts. She had a passion for hosting parties and created joyful gatherings for family and friends. Bonnie's love for travel took her across the United States in an RV, as well as to destinations in China and Europe. Her fondness for Hawaii was particularly special, and she treasured family camping trips, especially those in the High Sierra Mountains of California. Bonnie was known for her loyalty, generosity, and elegant sense of style. She had an eye for jewelry, especially pearls. She loved shopping and scouting for treasures to add to her collection. She had a deep appreciation for the arts and enjoyed frequent outings to the movies. In honor of her life, a celebration will be held on her birthday, June 5, 2026, with a friends and family camping trip in the Sierras at Tom's Place. Bonnie will be laid to rest with her husband Raymond at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, WA. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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