June 1, 1946 - March 29, 2024
Dixie Lee Karnes, 77, of Lincoln, NE passed away surrounded by family on March 29, 2024.
Dixie was born in Davenport, NE in 1946 to Thaine L. and Edna (Andersen) Johnson. She grew up and graduated high school in Edgar, NE. Always curious and wanting to master new projects, her career included starting a catering & event planning business, followed by a dollhouse and miniature store in Lincoln, NE. She found her longest and most rewarding career as a cemetery counselor at Lincoln Memorial Park where she worked for over 25 years.
Her curiosity, list-making, and need for projects never ended. She was always looking for new recipes, new ways to decorate, new flower combinations for her pots and landscaping. She always had an upcoming event or project on her mind and looked forward to each and every one. She loved to spend time shopping, laughing, and telling stories. Her stories covered the gambit from family to friends, and often included her oldest friends she lovingly referred to as The Golden Girls. Anyone who talked with her for more than a moment knew that her greatest love was for her family and, especially, her grandchildren. Every family member has a great memory, favorite food, and an experience that they will always cherish wrapped with love and generosity from Dixie.
Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, Thaine and Edna Johnson; husbands, R. Gordon Benson and Frank Karnes. She is survived by her son Rod (Rachel) Benson of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Brittney Arnold and Oliver Benson; great-grandchildren Landon, Bentley and Harper; her daughter, Debra (Matthew) Montanino of Troy, NY; granddaughters Carole Montanino and Nicole (Dylan) Breen; great-grandson Keegan; daughter, Christin Benson of Omaha, NE; granddaughter Ashley Benson; son Gary (Linda) Karnes of Lincoln, NE; granddaughter, Sam Karnes (Vince Rhul); sister, Diann Daniels of Lincoln, NE; nephews Aaron Daniels (Kaitlyn Dernovich), Colin Daniels; great-nephew Cooper; and great-niece Emerson.
The family would like to acknowledge Hillcrest Firethorn Health Systems and St. Croix Hospice and the staff who cared for Dixie in her time of need.
Donations in memory of Dixie can be made to St. Croix Hospice.
A visitation for Dixie will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512.
