Dixie Cravea

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April 12, 1909 — Aug. 24, 2011

Dixie Cravea, 102, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, in Fairfield.

She was born Dixie Ramona Bailey on April 12, 1909. Her parents, Miles and Leila Bailey, raised their 12 children in Napa, CA.

Music was a very important part of their lives and with Dixie playing the saxophone they formed the Bailey Orchestra and for several years they played for their own enjoyment and for many social occasions.

Dixie married Lory Cravea, June 19, 1932. Their 55-year marriage was spent in the same home that Lory built in Green Valley. There they farmed and raised their three children. Lory passed away Sept. 14, 1987.

Dixie was happiest surrounded by her family and spending time in her flower garden.

She is survived by her daughter, Dede (Art) Engell and sons, Gene (Irene) Cravea of Napa and Bud (Dianne) Cravea of Fairfield; nine grandchildren Lory (Judy) Engell, Ed (Leslie) Engell, Randy (Tami) Engell, Don Engell, Steve Cravea, Dave Cravea, Kevin Cravea and Julie (Eric) Heilell of Napa; 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving is her brother, Herbert Bailey of Napa and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, two sisters and her husband Lory.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2011, at 11 a.m., in the Rockville Cemetery Stone Chapel at 4219 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Bryan-Braker Funeral Home, 425-4697. You may sign the guestbook at http://www.brayn-braker.com.