Dixie Ann "Fortner" Leathem

Dixie Ann (Fortner) Leathem, Lifelong resident of Marion, Ohio died Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at her home.

She was born September 3, 1937, the first child of Dick and Donna Fortner. She married Larry Leathem, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage in January, prior to her passing.

Dixie was a graduate of Harding High School in Marion and a 1958 graduate of Marion General Hospital School of Nursing. She was one of several in the first graduating class of the MGH school and worked her 43-year (plus) nursing career at Marion General Hospital.

Previously Dixie was an 80-year member of Marion First Church of the Nazerene but in recent years a member of Dayspring Wesleyan Church.

Dixie is survived by her husband, daughter, Kim (Mike) Pickett of Dundee, Florida, and a son Michael of Marion as well as five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. As well as two sisters, Kay (Bill) Bos of Honor, Michigan and Donna (Gary) Crabtree of Marion.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation of Dixie Ann Leathem on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 6pm until 8pm at Dayspring Wesleyan . The funeral service for Dixie will take place the following day March 10, 2026, at Dayspring Wesleyan Church at 12pm with Pastor Osborne officiating. The committal of Dixie will take place immediately following the funeral procession to the Marion Cemetery.

The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Dixie Ann Leathem in their time of mourning.