Dixie Lou Battin
Dixie Lou Battin, 74, of Charlotte, a fun-loving grandma extraordinaire, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25, 2024, in Lansing. Dixie was born May 28, 1950, in Lansing, the daughter of Ronald and Barbara (Cotton) Best. She graduated from Mason High School in 1968 before going to work for the City of Lansing, retiring as Chief Assistant City Clerk after 27 years. She then worked a few years at Pray Funeral Home before going back to municipal service as clerk at the City of Grand Ledge.
Many will remember Dixie for her deceptively innocent demeanor, concealing her fun-loving “devilish side.” She was fun to be with, especially on the golf course. Dixie was proud to have made a hole-in-one at Iron Horse, a feat that was commemorated in the newspaper. By far the greatest joy of Dixie’s life was her grandchildren. She adored them, and they simply worshiped her – forming what was lovingly called the “grandma cult.”
Dixie is survived by her daughters, Laura Craven and Lisa Pangburn; five grandchildren: Allison, Taylor and Jeremy Pangburn, William and Jordyn Craven; mother, Barbara Best; siblings, Darrell (MaryAnn) Best, Joanne Lose, Teresa McClean, Jeff (Cindy) Best, and Tim Best; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Ronald Best and her husband, Howard Battin.
Friends are encouraged to support Dixie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, August 29, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were held Friday, August 30, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dixie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Head for the Cure. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.