CLINTON — Dixie Darlene Walden, 87, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Care Center, where she had resided during her battle with Alzheimer’s.  She was surrounded by the love of family and the compassionate caregivers of both Sugar Creek and the hospice staff. 

Visitation will be held at Calvert Funeral Home, in Clinton, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, with funeral services immediately following with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, it was Dixie’s wish that memorial donations be directed to the Warner Hospital and Health Services Foundation or The First Christian Church, in Clinton.

J. Wayne and Geneva Grant (Shewmaker) Rees welcomed their only child, Dixie, into this world on June 23, 1936, in Clinton.  She was raised on the family farm just west of Clinton. Dixie graduated from Clinton High School in 1954 and was soon married to her high school sweetheart, Stanley C. Walden, on October 14, 1954.

Dixie is survived by her son, Bruce Walden (Liz), and Paula Nelson (Chuck); grandchildren, Jessica Black (Cory), Jennifer Horn (Matt), and Tyler Walden (Morgan); great-grandchildren, John Horn, Thomas Horn, Izabel Horn, William Black, Benjamin Black, and Madelyn Walden.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Stanley, and her parents, J. Wayne and Geneva Grant Shewmaker Rees.

Dixie began and ended her professional career at DeWitt Savings Bank. Starting as a teller, she eventually became president of the bank, a position she held for 20 years until her retirement.

As a member of the Warner Hospital and Health Services Foundation board, Dixie served in many positions, including president. She was proud of her accomplishments in assisting the local hospital to obtain needed equipment and services.

Dixie enjoyed retirement with her husband Stanley, spending hours on the golf course and traveling to Florida.  They loved visiting their son and family in Urbana, watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up, and attending many sporting events. They also visited their daughter and son-in-law often at their farm, helping with chores in the horse barn and growing a garden. Dixie rode Rowdy, her favorite horse, until she was 82 years old.

Dixie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For many years, hosting Christmas was Dixie’s favorite grandmother job, and she instilled the love of the season in her family. Dixie had life-long friends who gathered regularly to share family tales, love, and laughter (Girl’s Club).  Dixie had a very special best friend, Shirley Weikel, with whom she shared a birthday.  They celebrated together each year for over 80 years.

Dixie was a member of the First Christian Church of Clinton, which she attended regularly.  Mostly, she just liked being with people, helping others and feeling like she accomplished something each day. Dixie’s smile will be missed by her family, friends and community.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com