Fern Dixon

Fern Evelyn Ruddick Dixon peacefully passed away on June 17, 2009 in Fort Collins. Fern was born in Fort Collins on November 23, 1921, to Thomas William and BerthaDeBolt Ruddick. Fern's father died when she was twelve, and a younger sister, Florence, also preceded her in death. She married Walter Gerald Dixon on July 3, 1939, and they had three children. Walter died in 1988. Fern worked for the Colorado State Forest Service for many years, and was also a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, playing cards, bingo and other games, attending plays at the Lincoln Center, and going dancing every week. She was a member of the Pioneer Association, and former member of Royal Neighbors of America and United Methodist Women. She had also been a volunteer on the Lincoln Center's mailing crew. She belonged to the Presbyterian Church. Fern suffered a stroke in late 1997. She spent the last years of her life under the care of the wonderful staff at Spring Creek Healthcare Center, where she participated in every activity she could find, including the Red Hat Society, bingo, trivia, and arts and crafts. She was known there as the big winner of Mardi Gras beads and wore dozens every day. Special thanks from the family for those years of tender and loving care. Fern's biggest joy was staying in touch with her extensive family. She is survived by her children, Derrol Dean Connie of North Carolina, Delbert Sue of Denver, and Debra Brad of Fort Collins. Also her sister Florine Dixon, and sister-in-law Ellen Allen, both of Fort Collins. There are 10 grandchildren: Cherri, Terri, Marie, Dean Jr., Deana, Daniel, Dominic, David, Elizabeth and Andrew. There are 20 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchi1dren, and numerous nieces and nephews, many in the Fort Collins area, who visited her often. Funeral services are planned for Sunday, 2:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, Canyon West Room, 417 W. Magnolia St. A graveside service will be held Monday, 10:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Robert Geller will officiate at the services. Those who desire may view Mrs. Dixon, Saturday, 4-7 p.m. at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Ft. Collins, CO 80524.