Obituary of Dixie E. Coolbaugh

Dixie E. Coolbaugh, 70, of Sayre, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at her home.

She was born November 7, 1948 in Sayre, PA, the daughter of the late Richard and Neva (Leonard) Lantz.

Dixie was a devoted companion, mom, and grandma. Her life always revolved around her family. She was loving, giving, kind, and generous to all those around her. Dixie was raised during a time when families sometimes were separated due to circumstances. She was raised by her second mom and dad and she never let situations in life overcome her ability to reach out to others. Along her life's journey, her door was open to all who were in need, and she helped raise many of her extended family. She babysat all of the kids in the family and their children through the years. Dixie was the glue of the family that held them all together with her love. She also was well-known for her "Dixieisms" which was her unique perspective on her general life observations. Dixie was loved in return by all who knew her and will be missed.

Dixie was employed with Sayre Lingerie and Staver Hydraulics in earlier years. She was very patriotic, respectful and would sing along and stand whenever the National Anthem was played. Dixie was an avid Penn State Fan. She had a great sense of humor and on any occasion was accidentally funny. Known by many as Rosita or Rose, and she was also a member of the "Twisted Sisters Club". Three days a week she had to go to dialysis, and she would tell everyone she was headed off to her job. She took each treatment in her stride, showing great strength and courage.

She is predeceased by her dad Morris LaDue and sister Connie Selman.

Dixie is survived by her lifelong companion Richard "Rick" Black at home, daughters and sons-in-law Lynn and Brian Kennedy of Waverly, NY, Lori Payton and her boyfriend Charles Miller of Waverly, NY, and Amy and Shawn Kepner of Sayre, PA, Rick's children Cori and John Belles of Sayre, PA, Stacey and Christopher Stocks of Owego, NY, Shawn and Heather Black of Waverly, NY, and Jason and Jessica Black of East Smithfield, PA, grandchildren Shelby and Kennedy Kepner, Tylor, Zachary, and Maddison Belles, Marissa and Dylan Price, Garret Stocks, Aiden and Peyton Black, and Dylan, Brendon, and Macie Comstock. She is also survived by her mom Doris LaDue of Sayre, PA, siblings and their spouses Linda and Dan Sloat of Sayre, PA, Abbie and Michael Palumbo of Sayre, PA, Barbara and Gene Denlinger of Littiz, PA, Sue and Tom Wheatley of Waverly, NY, Michael and Nancy LaDue of Athens, PA, and Greg and Tracy LaDue of Elmira, NY, brother Keith LaDue of Franklindale, PA, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, her cat Shushi, and her dialysis family at Guthrie.

Friends and family may call on Friday, April 5, 2019 from 3pm-5pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the funeral home at 5pm with Pastor Kitty Keller of the Ulster United Methodist Church officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Dixie's memory to the: Guthrie Clinic, Dialysis Unit, One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840.