Dixie D (Wood) Cowden

Dixie D. Cowden, 87, of Newton died on 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 be having a public memorial at this time. A private family graveside service will be held on 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 on 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 on August 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; 1st husband, Wayne Russell; 2nd husband, Dolan Cowden; and her brother, Don Wood. 

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