Jean Darlene "Dee" (McKEE) NIXON

MCKEE, NIXON, LORIMORE, WILLIAMS, JENISON, BROWN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 3/6/2009 at 01:27:12

The Daily Record
Ellensburg, Washington
December 31, 2004

OBITUARY - JEAN DARLENE "DEE" (McKEE) NIXON

Jean Darlene NIXON, 88, of Ellensburg died December 27, 2004, at Royal Vista Care Center.

She was born in Strikling, Kan., on January 14, 1916, a daughter of John and Ollie (LORIMORE) McKEE.

She was raised in Tingley, Iowa, and following graduation from high school, she attended Tarkio Presbyterian College in Tarkio, Mo., where she earned her teaching credentials. She enjoyed her career teaching primary grades in the public schools in Iowa. At the same time she shared an interest in the arts by promoting and participating in community theater and musical and dance productions. She also was a Master Gardener and a devout member of the Presbyterian Church.

She met her future husband, Glen W. NIXON, a music teacher in the Iowa public schools. Following their marriage in 1941, his U.S. Coast Guard assignment led to their move to Washington state where he served as a director of the 13th Naval District Band in the greater Seattle area during World War II. Following his discharge they settled in Willapa Valley near Raymond where from 1945 until retirement they continued to share with their communities their teaching skills and enthusiasm for music and art.

Following retirement they enjoyed traveling throughout the world, spending the winter months in Yuma, Ariz., where they established strong friendships and community ties. In 1987 they moved to Ellensburg to make their home near family members.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Glen, on November 10, 1999; her parents; and sister. She is survived by her son, John (Paula WILLIAMS) NIXON; and daughter Karen (Lynn) JENISON; grandchildren, Troy JENISON and Rachel (Zach) BROWN; and great-grandchildren, Sophia Delene and Jenison Charles BROWN, all of Ellensburg.

A private memorial service will be held. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Affordable Funeral Care is in charge of arrangements.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, March of 2009