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NEWTON FALLS -- Dixie Lee Locke completed her earthly journey and peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 84, with her husband and daughter by her side.
Born July 30, 1941, in Mercer, Pa., Dixie grew up surrounded by the warmth and nurturing of her parents, the late Russell and Mable Buxton, and her siblings.
Dixie graduated from Mercer High School in 1959. After graduating, she dedicated five years of her life to serving the community at the Mercer County Nursing Home. Dixie then embraced the role of a homemaker, creating a loving and nurturing environment for her family.
She married the love of her life, Darryl Locke, on Nov. 24, 1961; together they raised two children, a son, Ed and a daughter, Lorrie. In 1979 they moved to Newton Falls, where they built their log cabin dream home. Darryl and Dixie enjoyed 64 years together, creating wonderful memories. Traveling all over the country in their camper was one example of their most cherished times spent together.
Dixie was the cornerstone of her family, a role she cherished above all. She was a wonderful mother who was always there for her children, and she supported them in all their activities, especially Boy Scouts and dance. This support continued with her grandchildren as she loved to attend all their soccer and basketball games. Dixie found pleasure in cooking; she was especially known for her delicious "Crock-Pot meals." She enjoyed baking, gardening, reading, decorating and going to garage sales. However, her greatest delight was found in the company of her family and friends, with whom she shared countless cherished moments.
Dixie was a member of Pricetown United Methodist Church. Her involvement in the church's activities, such as the annual turkey dinner, the "Have a Heart" dinner, calendar teas and vacation Bible school, was also a source of joy and fulfillment.
Dixie is survived by her husband, Darryl Locke; her daughter, Lorrie and son-in-law, Greg Ellis; her grandson, Kurt Ellis and his wife, Abby; and her granddaughter, Rachel Ellis; her three great-grandchildren, Amelia, Charlie and Raniyah; her sisters, Gail (Don) Deramo and Donna (Wayne) King; her brother, Larry (Abby) Buxton; and her nieces and nephews, Elisa (Jerry) Arrow, Amy (Mike) Bobbitt, Scott (Sue Ann) King, Chris (Kayla) Buxton and Molly (Derek) Mellon; as well as her nine great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her son, Edward Locke.
Dixie was the embodiment of love, kindness and thoughtfulness. Her gentle spirit and compassionate heart left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. We celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love that will continue to flourish in the lives she touched.
The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers at The Inn at Old Saybrook, Columbiana, and Ohio Valley Hospice, Canfield, for their loving, compassionate care for Dixie during her journey with Alzheimer's.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Valley Hospice in Canfield, in honor of Dixie.
Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls.
A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Please visit www.borowskimemorialhome.com to send condolences to the family.
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