Dixie Gillis , 78, of West Burlington, died Nov. 19, 2024 at her home, surrounded by family.
Born Nov. 24, 1945, in Burlington, she was the daughter of Milford Dowell and Helen Bernice Likely Dowell. On May 12, 1962, she married Robert Earl Gillis in Kahoka, Mo.
She was a childcare provider for many friends and family prior to attending college. She graduated in 1976 from Southeastern Community College with her associates degree as a registered nurse and became certified as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse in 1991.
Her hobbies include gardening, garage sales, and cross stitching. She was a den mother and president of the Burlington YMCA Swim Team. She was a member of West Hill United Methodist Church.
Dixie and her husband enjoyed traveling abroad to Germany, down the Rhine and Danube Rivers, and several Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises.
survivors include her husband, Robert Earl Gillis of West Burlington; one son, Scott (Shelley) Gillis of Burlington; two daughters, Robin (Royce) Hardesty of St. Peters, Mo., and Angie (Steve) Deggendorf of Danville; seven grandchildren, Cristi Smith, Kyle Gillis, Lane Gillis, Taylor Deggendorf, Josh Deggendorf, Mikaela Hardesty, and Elise Hardesty-Irvin; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Trudi Lefler of Stronghurst, Ill., and Kay Anderson of Burlington.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Joey.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, from 12 noon to 6 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., at Prugh Funeral Service (3940 Division St.).
The funeral service for Dixie will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Prugh Funeral Service with Pastor Kathy Moore officiating, and Rev. Tammi Wirt assisting. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh Funeral Service following the service. Dixie will be laid to rest at Carman Cemetery following the luncheon.
Memorials have been established for the West Hill United Methodist Church and the Animal Shelter.
Please continue to keep Dixie's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.