Dixie Jane Cozzens, age 83, passed away on October 12, 2024 at Tender Nest in Billings due to complications from cancer. She always said she took on all the cancers so no one else in the family had to as she fought 3 different types of cancer since 2009.
Dixie was born the daughter of Glynn and Laverne (Bailey) Pugh on April 5, 1941 in Mclane, Texas on a homestead on the Bailey Flats. She would be the second daughter of five girls which would later become “The Five Sisters”. In 1947, her parents packed up and moved their girls from Texas to Brandenburg, MT. Dixie attended grade school in Ashland and graduated in 1959 from Colstrip High. She continued on her education at Miles Community College in Miles City while also working at the Miles City Mercantile. It was while she was working at the “Merc”, she met the love of her life, Earl Cozzens. They were married on November 18, 1961 at the First Methodist Church in Miles City, MT. To this union three children, Michael, Macque and Mark were born. Dixie started her married life living the ranching/faming life in places such as Shefield, Terry and Forsyth while raising her children. She and Earl bought 10 acres south of Forsyth in 1978 where she resided until she moved to Billings in 2019. She lost her Earl Robert on Christmas Eve of 2008.
In 2009, she met her dear friend, Don Tapp, after being introduced by her special friends, Lloyd and Norma Gange. They shared their lives going on trips (even glamping a time or two) and playing many games of Yahtzee until he passed away in May of 2015.
Dixie was very active in the Presbyterian church in Forsyth to which she enjoyed Bible study with the Federated Church ladies. She was proud a member of the Order of the Eastern Star which she held the positions of Worthy Grand Sentinel and Secretary for many years just to name a few. She loved to get all “gussied” up in her long dresses and jewelry. She had a passion for jewelry and had sold Sarah Coventry as a way to supplement their income and still owns most of the collection which surprises no one. Dixie loved to laugh and bring joy but tell her a dirty joke or a “story” and you could hear her say, “I declare!” while shaking her finger at you but always with a smile on her face. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren giving them all a new middle name despite what the parents name them.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Earl Robert.
She is survived by her “perfect” children: Michael (Tammy) Cozzens of Laurel, Macque (Mike) Bohleen of Roberts, Mark (Bobbi) Cozzens of Fairview, grandchildren: Skyler (Matt) Winter, Robert (Ashleigh) Cozzens, Brian (Ally) Bohleen, Joshua (Paige) Bohleen, Kory (Dave) Blickenderfer, Erin (Daron) Asleson, Austen (Destiny) Cozzens, Rory Cozzens & Lauren Cozzens, Great-Grandchildren: Ayden, Liam, Peyton, Logan & Chloe and her 4 sisters Jeanne, Sherry, Kitty and Toy.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday October 20, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:05 PM
Monday October 21, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 21, 2024
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday October 20, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:05 PM
Monday October 21, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday October 21, 2024
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Nan says
O Dixie ‘s family ,
Larry and I are so sad to see this. She was a wonderful friend and a joy to visit with . RIP our dear friend
Larry and Nan Quinlan
Shorty& Judy says
So Sorry to hear of your loss May God give you all the strength now and in the days to come Dixie will always have a special place in our hearts she will be missed dearly GOD BLESS
Bobbie May says
My condolences to the family and many many friends of Dixie, she was such a charismatic woman who left smiles everywhere she went 💕
Jack and Beverly Nile says
So sorry for your loss. Sending you all prayers to give you strength during this difficult time.
Kurt Seward says
Mike, Macque and Mark I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was always a very nice person. My heart breaks for all of you.
Sheila Haselhuhn says
I’m sorry to hear about Dixie! She always had a smile on her face and a sparkle in here eye! She will be missed for so many! Hugs and prayers!
Duane and Sue Allred says
A beautiful lady with a beautiful personality !
Our thoughts and prayers be with you.
Lynelle Tompkins says
Dixie was such a special lady. We would laugh together about her calling herself the ” matchy, matchy” gal. Every outfit was perfect right down to the earrings. One classy lady all around.
Lonnie Murphy says
Sending my condolences to all her family & friends. She was always a delight to talk with and brought smiles to many faces. May God bring you peace & comfort at this time.
Anita Kurtz says
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mom. She was a special lady and I have fond memories of visiting with her. You are her legacy and I know you will carry that special legacy for her 🥰🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼
Connie Brown says
Mike, Macque and Mark
My heart is heavy though heaven has gained a christian, classy, glitsy woman. I enjoyed all the years of our friendship.
Prayers to all of her family!
Denice Hedges says
What a lady! She was babysitter to my two brothers and I way way back. She was fun and always dainty. Prayers for the family.
Debbie Weyer says
Heaven gained an amazing woman. I will miss our visits Aunt Dixie…. and our love for Sarah coventry.
Peggy quinlan certain says
Sincere sympathy to Dixie’s family. I have fond memories of Dixie and Earl and kids as neighbors when we were just kids. Loved visiting with Dixie whenever we crossed paths.
George and Jan Simmons says
Mark and family my heart goes out to you. Dixie had a beautiful spirit and love for her er family. Keep wonderful memories in your heart and the smiles will always be with you.
Brad and Sandie Green and Family says
Our sweet Aunt Dixie was a classy lady and a kick – I will miss out visits and bringing you chocolate- it’s never to early or late for Chocolate! Love and hugs to Mike, Macque, Mark and a families as well to Dixie’s sisters ! Love ya forever
Kelli Rooney says
Dixie was a classy lady who I’ve known all my life. My condolences and prayers to her kids, grandkids, family and friends.
Connie Brown says
Mike, Macque, Mark and all of Dixie’s family
With a heavy heart I see your mom has departed from us. She was a great Christian woman with lots of glitz and glimmer who helped many people in her walk of life. May she be at peace with her Lord and those that have gone before her! Hold tight to your memories. Also prayers for her sisters.
Debra Nolan says
My condolences to the family. Dixie always plesant and enjoyed visiting with people. RIP.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you all lots of hugs and love.
Carolyn E Hays says
Kids, I am so sorry to hear of Dixie’s passing. I adored her as a friend and a neighbor for many years. May you have peace and comfort during this trying time. Love to all of you! Cooky Johnson
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Kathi Pfeifle says
Dixie was always a class act. I remember she always had her nails done and not a hair out of place. She was kind too and always smiling. She will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mike, Macque, Mark and Families.
Stormy Hofer says
I will never meet another person who has more class and patience than Aunt Dixie had. I will forever treasure our last visit and the fun we had. You were truly a one of a kind. A brighter star than most in heaven I have no doubt. Rest in peace Aunt Dixie.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
To all of Dixie’s family,
Sincere condolences to you during this difficult time. Sorry for your loss. Dixie was a very pretty, special lady.
Linda Wolff says
Mike, Macque, Mark and families. So very sorry for your loss. Dixie was always dressed to the 9’s. Right down to shoes and jewelry, everything had to match. Dixie was always fun to be around and now she has joined my brother in heaven. I enjoyed our visits over the phone while I was traveling. She caught up on all the family news. She will definitely be missed.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
So sorry to hear of the passing of one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She always made me feel at home no matter how long between visits.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
I always enjoyed visiting with Dixie – she always made me feel part of the family. Always hard to loose Mom. You have many wonderful memories and stories that will continue through her children and grand children. Rest in peace Dixie – fly high with all the angels!
Lloyd & Norma Gange says
Dixie was a special friend! We had lots of fun together.She will be remembered for her class and glitz.I am sorry for your loss.
Sending our love to the family.She will be missed.
Marietta Keller says
To Mark & Bobbi and family:
I’m so sad to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. May God give you peace and comfort through His Word. II Corinthians 1:3-7
In Christian love, Marietta
Dan Ferris says
Mike and Tammy and family,
So sorry about your loss. Thinking of you!
Dan and Ruth Ferris
Gayle Muggli says
Our condolences. I’m thinking I may have some matching jewelry around here somewhere. Sometimes think she and Aunt Eleanor were in a competition as to who could stow away the most pounds of jewelry.
Not many like them anymore.
Linda Taylor Wilkins says
Sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in your memories and the God who provides comfort to all.
I meet Dixie as a young child at a “Merc” picnic and was awestruck by her beauty and her amazing laugh. She worked with my parents Sarah and Don. I have thought of her often, she will be truly missed.
Karen James Barnes says
My sympathy to al of Dixie’s family – she was such a giving, kind hearted lady. May all your good memories help you through this hard time. God Bless all.
Sue Mestad says
So sorry to see this.
Dixie was such a classy lady. I enjoyed visiting with her, she always had a smile and friendly greeting. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing her until she and Don were together. I would tell her how much I admired her style ~ never a hair out of place and impeccably dressed with jewelry to match.
Rest in peace, Dixie.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dixie always met you with a sweet smile.
Walt Bailey says
All of Dixies family, So sorry for your loss. I’m a Bailey cousin from the McLean area. I remember the many good times of reunions at the American Legion Hall and the Pugh family making the trip from Montana to attend. My parents were Lester and Wanda Bailey and I was probably preteen at the time. I remember dad and Cat visiting for hours. We were neighbors back then to Clifton Pugh. Again, sorry for your loss. Dixie sounds like a beautiful person to have known.
Harriet Sleaford Jansen says
Was saddened to hear of Dixie’s passing. We was long time friends. Always a smile. She is at peace with her loved ones and Lord. Hang onto all the good memories.
Doug, Debbie & Callie Skiles says
To Dixie’s family,
We are heartbroken to hear of Dixie’s passing. Dixie was a dear friend. She always had a big smile, spunk, laughter, gave big hugs and was a joy to be around. Loved how she always dressed so nice. She will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Susan Stabelfeldt says
So sad to hear this. So many memories of her when we all lived around Sheffield. My condolences to all her family.
Lu Shomate says
Oh Sweet Dixie I’m sure Heaven held the doors open wide for you as you made your Grand entrance home. I’m so sorry to hear of this loss – keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Naomi Rusdal says
Sorry for your loss.
Condolences to Mike, Mague and Mark. Also her sisters.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amber Bunke says
Sending my condolences to Skyler and family.
Cherie & Doug Heser says
To all of Dixie’s immediate family and her wonderful sisters,
Dixie was a favorite of mine in the Forsyth Woman’s Club, library, Federated Church, and in so many ways. I loved her smile, her delight in life, her style, and her strong sense of right and wrong. She was a wonderful friend, and she and Earl were great parts of this community.
May God bless you all with wonderful memories and comfort.
Shirley Mackney says
I loved going over the railroad track from our home on Mather’s farm at Shefield to visit Dixie and Earl. She was so funny and fun to be around. Michael was a baby, and I enjoyed playing with him. Although we lost touch many years ago, I will always remember our times together. My sympathies to your family!!
Tara Harper says
Aunt Dixie was always my muse. The outfits, shoes (that matched), Jewelry, makeup, hair and nails made me want to try and be as classy as she was. She has been the star that guided me and reminded me that no matter what was going on you should look good doing it. I will miss her greatly and look forward to seeing her in the most fabulous outfit in Heaven.
Linda Smith says
To all of Dixie’s family and sisters!!!! She will be missed by so many!!!! You talk to someone, they say oh, yes, I knew Dixie!!! She was so very special to me!!! I do and will miss her!!! With my love and prayers!!!