Dixie Lee Karlin

Dixie Lee Karlin passed away peacefully at her home in Gruver, Texas, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. There are no services scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Dixie was born on March 29, 1941, in Springfield, Colorado, to Frank and Atta Dee Ogden. She attended school in Kim, Colorado, and grew up on the family ranch alongside her siblings, Maxine, Frankie Dee, and Robert “Bob.” She graduated from high school in 1959 and went on to attend Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado, where she pursued a degree in Physical Education. While attending Adams State, she met the love of her life, David Wayne Karlin.

After graduation, Dixie and Dave began a lifelong journey together in teaching and coaching. They taught in Bloomfield, New Mexico; Kim and Walsh, Colorado; and eventually settled in Gruver, Texas. The couple was married on December 18, 1960, in Raton, New Mexico.

Dixie loved both watching and participating in sports. She was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and the Gruver Greyhounds. She enjoyed playing tennis and was a talented athlete, participating in track during high school and softball in college.

Dave and Dixie were blessed with three children: Randy, Rod, and Robin.

Dixie was a devoted member of the Church of Christ in Gruver, where she faithfully served in many capacities throughout the years. She and Dave dedicated their lives to helping others — through public education, delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly, and serving both their church and community wherever needed. Dixie had a contagious smile and laugh, and she had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel special, valued, and loved.

And, as Dixie would want everyone to know — she could back a trailer better than anyone she knew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Dave, her son, Randy and her siblings, Maxine and Frankie Dee.

Dixie is survived by her brother, Bob Ogden and wife Linda of Canyon, Texas; her son, Rod Karlin of Amarillo, Texas; and her daughter, Robin Castillo and husband Ed of Gruver, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: .Benjamin Karlin, Cassie Castillo of Kansas City, Kansas, Jordanne Tillman and son Leon; Karlin Castillo of Early, Texas; Addie Geldenhuys and husband Caro of Littlefield, Texas; Reagan Karlin and wife Halli of Canyon, Texas; Jack Karlin and wife Lauren of Spearman, Texas; and Greyson Riley of Hereford, Texas, along with many beloved great-grandchildren Kane, Bex, Saylor, Rowan, True, Haddie and Brooklyn.