Dixie Louise Labarr

Dixie Louise LaBarr wanted to be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, at the age of 64, she passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 23, 2016 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Preston. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. A memorial fund has been established in Dixie’s memory.
Dixie was born on October 21, 1951, in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbur and Erma (Meyer) Ringen. She grew up on the family farm in Green Island, Iowa. Dixie attended Preston High School and graduated with the Class of 1969. She worked for International Paper in Clinton, Iowa for 25 years as a finishing line operator. She later owned and operated Scooters in Preston for 16 years and retired in 2011.
Dixie married Donald Watters in 1971, they later separated. On September 29, 2001, Dixie married the love of her life Dave LaBarr at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Preston. Dixie was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed sewing, crossword puzzles, and taking her kids camping, fishing and on vacations. Most of all, Dixie treasured the time she spent cooking meals for her family, especially making her banana bread and pumpkin bars.
Dixie will be dearly missed by her husband, Dave; three children, Robert “Bob” (Kelly McDermott) of Clinton, Bonnie (Stephen) Ugarph of Clinton, Bradley (Stacey) Watters of Clinton; three step-children, Lori Leary of Clinton, Julie Jurgess of Clinton, David (Genelle) LaBarr Jr. of Charlotte; eight grandchildren, Keaton, Kierre, Tait, Maya, Samuel, Sophia, Laken, Noah; six step-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard (Elaine) Ringen of Ohio, Robert “Ringo” (Michele) Ringen of Green Island; three sisters, Barb (Dave) Doland of Green Island, Michelle (Crystal) Randall of Camanche, Iowa, Isabelle (Ron) Johnson of Preston. Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, oldest brother, Donald "Donnie" Dean and a sister in-law, Rhonda Ringen.