Dixie D. Cowden

Dixie D. Cowden, 87, of Newton, died Sunday, March 29, 2020, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not behaving a public memorial at this time. A private family graveside service will be Monday, April 6 at Newton Union Cemetery. The service will be streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Memorials to the Newton High School Booster Club may be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Dixie,the daughter of Dale and Lela (Welcher) Wood, was born June 12, 1932, in Monroe. She graduated from Monroe High School. Dixie was united in marriage with Wayne Russell on June 4, 1949, in Monroe. They made their home in Newton, where Dixie was a homemaker raising their three children. Later in life, Dixie worked as a secretary at the Walker and Billingsly Law Office. Following Wayne’s death, Dixie was united in marriage with Dolan Cowden Aug. 7, 1997, in Newton. She loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Dixie is survived by her children, Randa (Ken) Walker of Newton, Kimmi Armstrong of Des Moines and Ben (Christine) Russell of Michigan; six grandchildren, Corey (Beth) Walker, Kelly Walker, Kerry (Mindi) Walker, Jared (Megan) Bazal, Jamie Bazal-Dorn and Michael Russell; her many great-grandchildren; and brother, Darrell Wood of Monroe. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Wayne Russell; second husband, Dolan Cowden; and her brother, Don Wood.