Dixie Isabell (Stanton) Tanner

A graveside service will be held for Dixie I. Tanner, 89, of North Bend, formerly of Reedsport, on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Reedsport Masonic Cemetery, 3021 Longwood Drive. A Celebration of her life will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Bay Area Church of the Nazarene, 1850 Clark Street in North Bend with Pastor Mark Schiro presiding.

Dixie was born on January 29, 1937 in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Ted and Catherine Stanton. Though her story began in Rapid City she spent most of her childhood in Hot Springs, South Dakota, a place that held many treasured memories throughout her life. During her school years she proudly participated in the Hot Springs High School marching band, earning the coveted first chair clarinet, an experience she truly loved and often remembered fondly.

Later, Dixie moved to Newcastle, Wyoming where she completed her final two years of high school and had her first encounter with her future husband. Following graduation in 1955, she attended Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa. Life eventually led her to Seattle, Washington where she worked at a bank and met, for the second time, the love of her life, Russel. The two were married on February 14, 1959, beginning a loving partnership that would span 67 years and three daughters, Tammy, Terry and Carroll. They lived in Newcastle, Wyoming, Albany, Oregon, Lakeside, Oregon and finally settled in Reedsport, Oregon in 1978.

Dixie found joy in caring for both people and the world around her. She was an avid gardener who lovingly grew vegetables and flowers, finding beauty and satisfaction in nurturing living things. She was also an accomplished seamstress with a special gift for quilting. Her hands created not only beautiful things, but also warmth, comfort, and lasting memories for those she loved.

Children held a special place in Dixie’s heart, and they loved her right back. Her nieces and nephews cherished visits to her home, knowing they would be welcomed with love, warmth and fun. She adored the children in her own family and had an extraordinary ability to make every child feel seen and valued. For years, she opened both her heart and her home as a foster parent for the State of Oregon, caring for children and leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Dixie’s life was defined by care…..care for children, for family, for friends, and for every life she touched. Her legacy lives on in the gardens she planted, the quilts she stitched, the children she embraced, and the countless hearts she filled with love.

Dixie was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Catherine Stanton; her brothers, Larry Stanton and Laddie Stanton; her granddaughter Nicole Reddick; and her son-in-law, Bill Mackinnon.

Dixie is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Russel Tanner; her daughters Tammy Buyok and her husband David, Terry Mackinnon and Carroll Armstrong; her grandchildren, Rus Buyok, Christina Moreno, Catherine Gombas and Kelsie Dewater; great grandchildren Ashton Reddick, Quyn Reddick, Morgan Reddick, Liam Moreno, Kennalee Dewater, Lina Moreno, Rylee Dewater, Anna Gombas and Dixie Gombas; her sisters, Kay Cass and June Jensen; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her love and kindness.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

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