Ruth Dixon

Ruth Constance Dixon, 89, of Sesser passed away peacefully at her home on Dec 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at her home in Detroit, MI, on February 7, 1935 to Fred Konstontin (Johansson) and Mary Evalina (Davis) Johnson. Her middle name was in honor of her father's middle name; which was of Swedish descent. She spent her formative years in Detroit and attended a Christian high school. At the young age of 19 she went on a blind date with a young Army man, Ralph Dixon Jr., who was stationed in Detroit. They married three months later, on May 22, 1954. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2019. She is survived by her son Dennis Dixon (Juanita Reeves) of Benton; her daughter Deanna Tacderas (Lito) of Carterville; and her daughter-in-law Anne Dixon of Sesser. She was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren: Nathan Dixon (Pam), Rebekah Little (Noah) Sarehna Vaughn (Curtis), Sean Tacderas, Ian Tacderas (McKinzie), and Andrew Hughes. She was also known as GiGi to her precious great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Alex, Evan, Felix, Rosabel, Remi, and Roman. She also leaves behind her special nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was forever grateful for her loving caregivers: Jan, Verna, Abby, Nita, Hope, Meredith, Claudia, Cindy, Dawn, Janet, Tammy, Gail, Becky, and Esther. The relationships built in her home these past years is a testimony to her strong faith and belief in Christ. Special thanks to her healthcare provider, Melissa Odle, Nurse Practitioner. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Willaim Lennart and Russel Delano, her sister Deloris Mary, her son Randall William, and her granddaughter Krista Tacderas. Ruth worked at Decca Records early in her marriage. She became a stay-at-home mom after her third child. After her children were raised, she worked for Franklin County Court House as a Deputy Clerk and retired in 1998. Many things can be said about Ruth, but above all, she was a Godly woman of faith who loved Jesus Christ. One of her favorite scriptures was: This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). She was an active member of First Baptist Church (FBC) for over 60 years. She was involved in many activities at FBC. She was known for leading the benevolence committee, Young at Heart, and was co- founder of Girls of Grace. She made a strong effort to visit the homebound and nursing home members of her congregation. She and her husband attended Sesser-Valier basketball games way past their children's attendance at school. She also attended her grandchildren's sporting and musical events up to the past year. Her hobbies included: country line dancing, traveling, camping at Rend Lake, and card games. One of her best friends remembers her fondly and said, "Ruth taught me to love Jesus and how to play cards." Her granddaughter remembers her "joking and helping them find the candy bars that grandpa hid from them", and also fondly remembers the family's annual Christmas Cookie Baking Day that Ruth participated in. Funeral services will be held on Monday December 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Ruth will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Donations may be made in her honor to First Baptist Church Sesser or Hospice of southern IL.