dixie ballwey

Dixie Gladys Ballwey
1916-2017

Dixie was born on a wheat ranch in Eastern Washington in January, 1916, to Charles and Ethel Gordon. She was one of 8 children. The family moved to Los Angeles, California, when Dixie was seven years old. She was a graduate of Garfield High School, class of 1934. She married Earl Ballwey in 1935 and they had 49 happy years together before his death in 1985. They had four children: Joyce, Jeanne, Sharon & Donald. Dixie died just six weeks short of her 102 birthday.

Dixie was an active member of the community and enjoyed many activities including PTA, Girl Scouting, Parnell Park Seniors, First Christian Church of Whittier, Whittier Genealogy Society, and the Daughters of the American Revolution where she held several offices including Regent.

She always said she had lived a wonderful life. Her big family of six sisters and one brother was always important to her. Dixie was an amazing mother and was especially happy to witness the turn of the century, the marriages of her grandchildren and the births of her great grandchildren – all "amazing and lucky to have lived so long," according to Dixie.

Dixie was predeceased by her parents, four sisters, one brother, her husband, Earl Ballwey, and grand-daughter, Christy Burchard Harris. She is survived by daughters Joyce Burchard (Ron); Jeanne Smith (Mike); Sharon Walker (Wayne); son Donald Ballwey; six grandchildren: Jeff Burchard (Jill); David Burchard; Kerry Smith Henry (Chris); Mike Smith (Carrie); Sandy Smith Bolanos (Tony); Megan Smith Cope (Nathan); 13 great grandchildren: Shaun Adams; Daniel & Kristen Henry; Emily, Julia, Mikey & Sarah Smith; Ava, Kylie & Sydney Bolanos; Ella, Shayna & Tyler Cope.

Services will be at Rose Hills: Viewing Monday, 5:00-8:30 and Tuesday Service at Memorial Chapel 1:00 p.m.