Dixie Burns

Dixie Burns, age 80 passed away on Sunday, May 31st surrounded by her family. Dixie was born in Anamosa, Iowa to William Hollingsworth and Evalena (Holland) Hollingsworth.

Dixie attended high school at Tech High School and later attended Des Moines Area Community College and received her Certified Nursing Assistant Certification.

In 1986 Dixie met the love of her life, Richard K. Burns. They married in 1987 and blended their families.

Dixie was employed with Mercy Medical Hospital (Emergency room Dept.) the 11pm – 7am shift for 35 years until retiring in 2011. Her constant devotion to all her patients throughout her years at Mercy was a true testament to her extraordinary character.

Dixie loved her family dearly. She enjoyed spending time with them and especially during the holidays. She loved Christmas and baking all her many favorites to share with everyone including her delicious “hay stacks.” Another family favorite was her Banana Bread. She loved “spring/summer” in which she could be outside daily tending to her garden and mowing her yard. She was devoted and meticulous about her yard in which she spent countless hours maintaining. She enjoyed going “shopping” with her daughters and granddaughters. Dixie also had enduring love for any animals. She was an avid animal advocate and cared for her best friends throughout her life. She was a member of Christ the King Parish on SW 9th in Des Moines.

Survivors include her daughters Dana Mullin (Scott Rosheim) of Johnston, Deanna (Mike) Watson of Ankeny, and Danelle (Joe) Strantz of Alaska; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and her brother Richard (Denise) Fetters of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard Burns; parents William Hollingsworth, Richard & Evalena Fetters; in-laws Rex & Liz Burns; a brother /sister in-law Hal & Sandy McCleary; and a sister Donna Hollingsworth.

A celebration of Dixie’s life will be held at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home on 5400 SW 9th St., in Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with her funeral service immediately following at 12:00 p.m.. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens on 7601 Fleur Drive in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital on Army Post Road or Animal Lifeline of Iowa on SE 14th in Des Moines.

Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire staff at Rock Creek Assisted Living in Ankeny, Iowa for all their attention, love and devotion that our mom received while in their care. We would also like to thank Suncrest Hospice for their kindness, patience and support to mom and our family during her final days.

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