Dixie Diane Rash was born on March 26, 1959 in Leon, Iowa to Wayne and Myrna (Wheatley) Eckles. Dixie attended Westgate Elementary in Omaha and then graduated from Griswold High School. Her passion for Court Reporting led her to AIB College of Business, where she earned her degree, paving the way for a successful career. From 1994 to 1997, she freelanced as a court reporter before joining the State of Iowa Court System, where she worked diligently until her retirement in 2022. She approached her profession with the same love and loyalty she gave to her family. Dixie married the love of her life, Daryl Rash, on June 4, 2005.
Dixie brought joy and warmth to all who knew her, creating a life filled with love, laughter, and countless wonderful memories. In her leisure, Dixie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, indulging in her love for reading, bowling, golfing, and camping. Her passion for plants and nurturing her “greenhouse” reflected her nurturing spirit, always tending to the life around her with care and affection. Most of all, Dixie loved spending time with her eight grandkids while watching their activities and hosting their swim parties, sleepovers, and family dinners. Dixie passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 66 years, 3 months and 11 days. She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne Eckles, and her son, Matthew Widrowicz.
Survivors include her loving husband Daryl Rash of Atlantic, IA; her devoted mother Myrna Eckles of Atlantic, IA; her treasured children: Noah (Allison) Widrowicz of Atlantic, IA; Angela (Jon) Wickware of Ankeny, IA; Andrew (Holly) Rash of Leon, IA; as well as her late son’s fiancé Amanda Childs of Hastings, IA. Finding delight in the smiles of her eight grandchildren: Maddox, Levi, Hattie, Clara, Tyson, Jaxon, Logan, and Maya. Dixie adored spending time with them, crafting memories that will be held dearly in their hearts forever. Siblings Don (Linda) Eckles of Elk Horn, NE; Dave (Lynn) Eckles of Ankeny, IA; Doug (Patty) Eckles of Griswold, IA; and step-sister, Donna Willoughby of Atlantic, IA; other family and many, many friends.
Funeral services will be held on Monday July 14, 2025 at 10:30AM at the United Church of Avoca in Avoca, IA. Visitation will be on Sunday July 13, 2025 from 5PM to 8pm at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, IA. Burial will be at the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca, IA.
The Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, IA is in charge of arrangements.
