Roberta "Dixie" Rae

Roberta "Dixie" Rae, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, entered Eternal Life on February 5, 2024. Born on August 23, 1928, in Seattle, Washington, Dixie's life was a testament to her loving spirit, kindness, and dedication to her family and community.

The daughter of Richard Leon Fairless and Vivian Maxine (Meade) Fairless, and consummate lover of all things dark chocolate, Dixie spent her formative years in the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle. Here, surrounded by the love of her grandparents and later her parents, Dixie's early life was filled with the arts and a profound love for animals. This nurturing environment laid the foundation for a life characterized by compassion, creativity, and community service.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, she attended the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. It was also here that she met William "Bill" Howard Rae Jr, a handsome engineering student. They married on July 11, 1953, and together, they continued the family legacy by making the Fairless family home (her childhood home) their own. Their union was blessed with a son, Richard Howard Rae, in February of 1967, marking the beginning of Dixie's devoted role as a mother and homemaker. She would remain on that same street in Seattle for 92 years.

After retiring from Bell Telephone, Dixie dedicated her life to raising her son. Her commitment to service was exemplified through her over 40 years as a volunteer Docent at the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo, a volunteer kitchen helper at the Greenwood Senior Center, and her volunteer involvement with numerous organizations including the Boy Scouts and Seattle Public Schools. Dixie's passion and incredible talent for drawing showcased her artistic endeavors, leaving a legacy of beauty for all who knew her.

Dixie's love and light will be forever missed by her son Richard Rae, daughter-in-law Chanin Kelly-Rae, grandsons William Whitman and Wesley Robert—who were her greatest pride and joy—along with her brother-in-law Fred Rae, his wife Virginia Rae of Spanaway, WA, and her cousin Mike Meade, along with a host of nephews, nieces, and loving family members and friends. Her spirit and legacy will live on in the memories and hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo in Dixie's memory, honoring her lifelong dedication to animal welfare and education.

A celebration of Dixie's life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024 beginning at 12:00PM. Please join the Celebration of Life at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home located at 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle WA 98133 where family and friends will be invited to share memories and honor the remarkable life of a truly exceptional woman.

Dixie's life was a journey of love, art, and service. As we say goodbye, we also celebrate the indelible mark she has left on our hearts and our community. Rest in peace, dear Dixie. Your legacy will forever inspire us to live with kindness and dedication to the greater good.

A memorial service for Roberta "Dixie" will be held Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.