Colette F. Dix, 79, of The Villages, Florida, died Thursday, March 2, 2023 at Cornerstone Hospice.  Born on December 17, 1943 in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Adam J. and Alice (Bockrath) Walker.  Colette was a graduate of Patterson Co-Op High School and received her Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Dayton. She began her teaching career at Our Lady of the Rosary School, where she attended school as a young girl. She then continued her teaching career in the Dayton Public School District prior to joining Tri-County North Local Schools in Lewisburg, where she remained until her disability retirement.  Colette had a passion for education. She made learning fun for children of all ages by being creative and encouraging. Whether she was teaching Catechism (CCD) class at her local parish; coaching girls track at the local high school; teaching math, the metric system, and Ohio history to seventh and eighth graders; secretly teaching math skills to her granddaughter while baking their favorite recipes; or instilling numerous life-lessons in her daughter, nieces and nephews, she was strict while being fair.  She was kind and patient while having high expectations, and inspired students to do their best at each task. She influenced the lives of so many students over the years, many of whom would still say she was one of their favorite teachers. She delighted in the time spent teaching young minds and imparting her wisdom. Her reward after a day of teaching was ice cream. Colette was a connoisseur of ice cream.

Following retirement, Colette and her husband moved from Lewisburg, Ohio to The Villages, FL.  There, she became a parishioner of St. Timothy Catholic Church, joined the Women's Guild, met a group of dear friends, and had the pleasure of being called a "church grandma".  She joined a Monday-night craft club, played cards with several different friends groups, participated in several Ohio State Alumni Club and Ohio Buckeye Club events, and enjoyed weekly Thursday luncheons with friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. Dix; her brothers William Walker, Lawrence Walker and Richard Walker; and her sister, Julianna (Walker, Marshall) Harlow.

Colette is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Jeff) Vail; her granddaughter, Makenna Vail; her siblings, Patricia (Cliff) Davis, Jim (Geri) Walker and John Walker; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on April 21, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church .  Reception to follow at the home of Pete and Lillian Covella.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Mariposa Way, The Villages, FL 32162.  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .