1935 – November 27, 2022
“Dee” Ina Claire Colton of Boerne, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on Nov. 27, 2022, with daughters Lynn and Darleen by her side. Dee was born in 1935 to Elva (Maier) and Shad Langford Dixon in Fredericksburg, Texas. Her maternal grandfather, Henry Maier, owned the Piggly Wiggly, Saddle Shop, and Saloon on Main Street in Fredericksburg. Her paternal grandfather, George Dixon, was also in the grocery business with his General Store in Bergheim, Texas.
Dee was passionate about her family, art, human friends, canine friends and chocolate. Her family was never exactly sure what order they came in after David, her beloved husband of 66 years, but someplace after dogs and chocolate is a safe bet. She was a wise and quiet counsel who might bid you to “be the person your dog thinks you are,” and she never stopped asking “how would you feel if it was you?”
Dee’s love of art sent her around the world to museums and led to a career in interior design. Her aesthetic was warm, timeless, and impeccably curated, centering upon family heirlooms, functionality, and beauty. She designed and built three homes in Boerne that she and Dave lived in throughout their retirement. She was a gracious hostess who made almost everyone feel right at home. She volunteered throughout her life, working as a young woman at Head Start, the Lupus Foundation, the Seniors After School program, and the Boerne Family Services, among others.
She will be remembered especially for her grit, determination, and perseverance. She lived with numerous health challenges including Lupus, Sjögren’s disease, non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Her laughter in the face of adversity was a sweet song of comfort to those who loved her.
Dee is predeceased by her husband David Winthrop Colton, Jr. She is survived by her daughters Lynn (Chris) Hyvonen of Boerne, and Darleen (Ed) Carstarphen of Houston. Her four grandchildren are Cole (Amber) Hyvonen, Alec (Casey) Hyvonen, Lucy Carstarphen (Mike) McCart, and Desi (Jeroen) Dijkema. She has seven great-grandchildren ranging in age from 15 years to 3 weeks: Ananya Brinton, Harper Hyvonen, Catherine McCart, Colton Hyvonen, Danica Hyvonen, David Dijkema and Emerson Hyvonen. Dee is survived by her dear sister Darleen and brother in law Bill Welty of Greensboro, GA, and sister in law Betty Jane Wislar of Austell, GA, along with eight nieces, their families, and her loyal golden retriever, Tessa. She is also survived by Lillia Almaguer, family friend, caregiver, and “Johnny on the spot” for over twenty years.
Special thanks to Dee’s tender caregiving team, Bonnie Barnhart, Melinda Luna, Annette McCauley, Teri Droddy, Katarina Navarro, Michelle Cousten, Tiarra Rodgers, Kathryn Fields and Tessa’s walker, Lisa Schaefer.
Private graveside services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please give to lungevity.org or the charity of your choice.
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