Dixie J Castellani

Dixie Jo Barber was born on April 22, 1946, in Loveland, Colorado to parents Lloyd and Goldena Barber. Growing up she loved the outdoors and marveled at the innumerable wonders of creation around her. When she was young she survived an outbreak of Polio, which imposed physical limitations she would deal with for the rest of her life. 

Her life changed forever when she met a handsome young airman who was on furlough near her hometown. She and Domenick quickly developed a friendship that blossomed into a romance culminating in their marriage on November 25, 1967, after Domenick was discharged from the Air Force. On January 16, 1969, the couple was blessed with their first child, Paul, followed by their daughter Andrea seven years later on February 20, 1976. 

Dixie was a loving capable mother who worked tirelessly caring for the needs of her family. She became a skilled seamstress and homemaker, while at the same time developing into a talented executive secretary and administrative assistant in her secular life. She also became renowned for her hospitality, delicious baked goods, and interest in others.

However, it was the eventual satisfying of her spiritual needs that defined the majority of her adult life. After coming in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses through Domenick, the two began studying the Bible together and were baptized on February 8, 1975. She spent the rest of her life getting to know her heavenly Father as well as attending Christian meetings and using every opportunity to tell others of the marvelous Bible-based hope of eternal life with perfect health in a paradise earth. (Isa. 65:21-25) Even when her health began deteriorating and her physical activity was severely restricted, she continued her regular Bible reading and even creating presentations summarizing the Bible books based on her personal research.

This research helped her develop a strong confidence in one of the Bible’s promises that has been said to be part of the very foundation of Christianity – the earthly resurrection. She longed for the day when she would again be able to hug her parents and welcome back other loved ones temporarily lost in death, especially her dear Domenick who preceded her in death.-Acts 24:15.

Dixie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Paul and Tammy Castellani; her daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Corey Dudoit and their daughter Megan; her brother Ken Barber, and sister Deanna Para as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

While Dixie will be sorely missed, she will not be forgotten, but will remain in our hearts until the day that we can welcome her back in restored health to start the next chapter of her life – the “real life.”—1 Tim. 6:12, 19.