Dixie Belle Deupree was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on the 20th of August 1933, the third child of Edwin Abraham and Fay Davis Deupree. Her tender years were spent in Ft. Worth but the family returned to Oklahoma City in 1945 and Dixie graduated from Classen High School in 1951.
While next attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman and studying Art and Journalism, the seeds were sown for fundamental relationships that grew throughout her lifetime: Dixie continued her mother's legacy and pledged Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Decades later in the 1970's, she would serve as President of the Houston Alumni Chapter and Chairman of the Gamma Phi Gallery.
More importantly while at OU, she met her partner-for-life, Denny Bartell.
This beautiful and fun-loving young woman was the ideal mate for him and for the life they would make together; Dixie was cheerful and loving, energetic and creative, loyal and supportive.
They married on the 11th of September 1954 and soon moved to Houston.
The couple stayed rooted in Houston to raise their two children and establish the friendships they would nurture for a lifetime. In 1962, the Bartells became members of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston.
Dixie's pursuit of her artistic and creative interests led her to culinary study at L'Ecole de Cuisine La Varenne in Paris. Meals in Dixie's home were festive occasions made memorable with the gathering of dear friends, delicious food and wine, and her good-natured hospitality and true Southern charm. She was a gracious hostess for parties and functions outside the home that supported her husband's career as an independent geologist, also serving as President of Houston Geological Auxiliary in 1973-74.
Another devoted pastime of Dixie's was needlepoint. Painstakingly intricate and exquisitely crafted, her handiwork became instant cherished family heirlooms.
Dixie and Denny shared an ongoing interest and support of their alma mater as members of OU's Seed Sower Society, an association of alumni who have made substantial contributions to OU's development programs. Her enthusiasm for art was satisfied by being an active Board Member of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, and in the establishment of a gallery of western art there, honoring the memory of her parents, who were also OU alumni. In 2011, the University honored Dixie with the Regents Outstanding Alumni Award.
Though truly content to be a devoted homemaker and mother, she did enjoy travel and was fortunate to take many trips with family and friends to her favorite places. From the time she was a teenager riding the train from Oklahoma to visit her great-grandfather in Eugene, OR, Dixie fell in love with the mountains. For more than 30 summers she and Denny made an annual pilgrimage to Jenny Lake Lodge in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, where she would go for long hikes to see the summer wildflowers and revel in what she considered one of God's greatest gifts- the many wonders of Nature.
Dixie Bartell had a beautiful smile and an easy laugh. She was polished and ladylike in the best sense of the word. She brought special attention to detail in everything she did, from building their lovely home, to her manner of dress and expression, and to the notes she sent to loved ones. Dixie made friends for life and was certain to show people that she truly cared about them and their families.
She leaves a legacy of kindness and caring. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 8 years ago, her concern was not for herself but for her family's future, knowing she is the "tie that binds."
Throughout her struggle, Dixie maintained her characteristic sense of humor and sparkling smile. Her dignity and elegance never disappeared. The disease locked her memories and words deep inside her, but it never diminished her Spirit. She was sweet and peaceful until the day she passed away in her home May 23, 2018.
Dixie's Family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the excellent caregivers who approached her care and tending with utmost compassion and creativity. The "DreamTeam" brought joy and love to Dixie AND her family in her final years.
Dixie is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Charlie Deupree of Jackson, Mississippi. She is survived by her older brother, Joe Deupree of Oklahoma City; her husband of 64 years, Denny; daughter, Ellen; son, Larry and his wife Patty; and four grandchildren, James Bartell and his wife Mallory, Ashley Bartell, Heather Roberts and her husband Jonathan, and David Bartell; as well as and many fine nieces and nephews. Dixie was blessed to know three great-grandchildren, too!
Following a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, a memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 25th of May, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer road in Houston, where Dr. Tom Pace is to officiate.
In lieu of customary remembrances, Dixie's Family would appreciate your consideration of memorial contributions in her name to Trees for Houston, P.O. Box 270477, Houston, TX, 77277 http://www.treesforhouston.org or to the Nantz National Alzheimer Center at Houston Methodist Hospital, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384.
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