Dixie (McEldowney) Courtney

Dixie (McEldowney) Courtney, the second born daughter to Willard and Helen (Schrader) McEldowney on February 23, 1938 in Beloit, Ohio, passed away at her home, surrounded by her children on April 7, 2020. Mrs. Courtney married Paul "Gene" Eugene Courtney, founder of Courtney's Real Estate and Auction Sales on October 13, 1953. They enjoyed 56 years of Marriage before his death on July 19, 2010.

Mrs. Courtney led her life according to the values instilled in her by her beloved grandmother, Eva Schrader, and the Beloit Friends Church. She was a 65 year member of Smith Grange, Dixie held every office, participated in Degree Work, directed many drills, and cooked and served at the Grange's Public Suppers and Breakfasts. She was a fierce competitor and often chaired the committee responsible for creating the Smith Grange Display at the Canfield Fair, always holding her breath for the First Place Ribbon. She and Gene served as Mahoning County Grange Deputies for several years.

Dixie worked tirelessly alongside Gene on their farm, at public auctions conducted by him and their sons, and at line dances held at Chipmunk Woods in Alliance which they owned for many years. She served on the Butler Township Election Board for a period of time. She was an accomplished seamstress who made clothes and stuffed Teddy Bears. Her quilts were especially coveted by her family members. She enjoyed reading novels about the historic south and the Amish way of life and scrapbooking.

Dixie was a classy lady who had a flair for fashion, home decor, and homemaking. She often received compliments on her beautiful wardrobe and warm, lovely home. She always had a big garden and canned and froze fruits and vegetables for the family's winter meals. She was a great cook and loved cooking for others, first at Smith Grange, then Chipmunk Woods, and finally alongside her son, Mark, at Courtney's Banquet Center. While her sons requested her potato salad, many people looked forward to enjoying a slice of her pies.

Mrs. Courtney was a proud mother and was fiercely protective of her 5 children, all of whom survive her. They are Teresa (Bruce) Cooper of Salem,Brian (Barb) Courtney of West Virginia, Greg (Mary) Courtney of Salem, Todd (JoAnn) Courtney of Salem, and Mark (Tamara) Courtney of Salem. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Benjamin Cooper, Brooke Lasics, Sarah Tolson, Luke, Sam, Brianna, Kamil, Alec, Aaron, Toria, Jake, Madison, Chase, Cole, and Emma Courtney and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters, June Wagner, Susan Postiy, Bernadine Bowser, and Alanna Stainbrook and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to being predeceased by her parents and husband, Dixie was also preceded by her older sister, Nancy Wright and her younger brothers, Willard and Wendell McEldowney. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Dixie's honor to UH Seidmen Cancer Center at Salem Regional Medical Center at 1995 East State Street, Salem, Ohio 44460.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday at Highland Memorial Park with burial to follow. Friends and family may send condolences and sign the guest register online at www.grfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home in Sebring, Ohio. (330) 938-2526.

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