Memorial

Dixie Lee Darrow Loss 84 of Cedar Rapids died peacefully in her home with her daughters by her side Monday June 28th, 2021. She was born April 11th, 1937, the beloved only child of Owen W and Eleanora M (Schuerer) Darrow. Grave side services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday July 15th Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in the Garden of Evergreen section. Chaplin Joe Kane from Mercy Hospice will officiate.

Left to cherish her memory are her family, Robyn Dawson of Cedar Rapids and Pamela (James) Jensen of Lisbon. Her grandchildren, Bevin (Christian) Dawson-Fink of Vinton, Lyndsay (Jordan) Gaffey of Boulder Colorado, Brandon (Katie) Dawson, Christopher Dawson of Des Moines, Jase (Alexis) Jensen of Cedar Rapids. Her precious friend and cousin Sue Curry, good friend Dawn Heller, many cousins and valued neighbors.

Waiting in heaven for Dixie are her parents, husband Bob, in-laws Laverne and Mardell Loss and her fur babies Sophie and Teensy.

Dixie was born in Cedar Rapids then moved with her parents to Clear Lake Iowa. Where she fondly reminisced about sailing with classmates Bumy and Sandy. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1955. Then returned to Cedar Rapids to attend beauty school. She was immediately hired by Josef’s Beauty Salon where she was “discovered” and excelled in a short modeling career.

Dixie dated and fell in love with Robert Loss, they married February 17th, 1957. They raised two daughters, Robyn and Pamela together. Affectionately known as Oma to five grandchildren and Omie to six great grandchildren. Dixie was a gifted artist she loved to paint and draw her entire life. She was involved in archery in the early 1960’s where she designed pins for her league. Dixie was a great shot and represented Iowa and became Midwest Archery Champion in the instinctive category in 1963. Dixie was also a founding member of the Cedar Rapids Area Practical Shooters and hand designed the logo that they still use today.

Dixie volunteered for the American Red Cross and eventually became head of the Red Cross Learn to Swim program at Ellis Pool. She was hired by the Cedar Rapids School District as a teacher associate to teach elementary and special needs children how to swim and water safe ty. When that program ended, she was transferred to Tayler Elementary School as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, ending her career of 35 years as a classroom associate. Being a true nature lover, Dixie enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing and gardening. Truly appreciating all flora and fauna.

Dixie adorned her grandchildren and loved attending their events. She often retold the stories and relived those moments at family gatherings. She was so so proud of them all.

After retirement in 2000, Dixie discovered her love for traveling. With the encouragement of her cousin Sue Curry, she took her daughters on many trips to Ocho Rios Jamaica. Along with Sue they shared their love of the ocean, beach combing, jewelry shopping, embracing the Jamaican people, the different culture, and Stangsters Rum Cream.

Dixie’s family would like to thank Dr Melanie Stahlberg and her team for all their amazing care. She really was a God send many times during Dixie’s life. Thank you to Mercy Hospice for their loving care and support. And to Heidi Benson at Cedar Memorial. Thank you. Thank you. See you on the beach Mom.