Connie Mae Dixson, 68, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at 5 p.m. at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, with her family at her side.

She was born in Newton on Nov. 6, 1944, to Devere and Eunice Godsey, who preceded her in death.

Connie is survived by her family, including sister, Beverly Gilmore of Minneola, and brother, Lamont Godsey and sister-in-law Brenda of Houston, Texas. Connie also is survived by her four children: son, Derrick Dixson of Paola; son, Darin Dixson and his wife Jennifer of Prairie Village; daughter, Denise Dixson of Gardner; and son, Lance Dixson and his wife Monica of Shawnee.

Connie also is survived by seven grandchildren - Brandi Dixson of Chapman, Brandon Dixson of Overland Park, Dylan, Justin and Taylor Dixson of Prairie Village, and Seth and Dalton Dixson of Shawnee. She also lives in spirit with several cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends everywhere.

Connie graduated Newton High School in 1962 and started her career as a beautician. She then realized her real passion was taking care of others. After obtaining her nursing degree, Connie worked as a nurse for over 21 years, with stints at Irwin Army Hospital in Fort Riley and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wichita.

Connie loved spending time with family and viewed life through rose colored glasses. She always saw something good in every person and found a silver lining in every situation.

Connie’s wish was to be cremated and her ashes spread over Sand Creek in her home town of Newton.