Dixie Merle Lorraine Wilson, age 78, passed away early Saturday morning December 22, 2018 at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 17, 1940 to Richard and Maxine Sorenson. Dixie and her younger sister, Diana, spent many of their summers with their beloved grandparents, John and Olive Sorenson. This tradition continued after their father’s unexpected death in 1943.
In 1946, Dixie’s mother married Kenneth Boatright, whom Dixie would come to view as her Dad. The newly established family settled in the small town of Urbandale, where Dixie graduated from Urbandale High School in 1959. She went on to work as an artist at Library Bindings in Des Moines for a short time, recreating the artwork found on book bindings.
On September 22, 1962, Dixie married her high school sweetheart, Larry T. Wilson. They were married for 56 years and raised 4 children together in the beautiful countryside outside of Minburn, Iowa. Dixie stayed at home to raise her children and care for their home. She was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a real home. She cleaned incessantly, to the point she would drive her family crazy. No unclaimed glass or cup could remain on her kitchen counters for any longer than a few minutes before it’s contents were dumped and placed in the dishwasher. Drink it or lose it! She also enjoyed moving and rearranging the furnishings in her home regularly. She loved coming up with new and better layouts for everything-much to the chagrin of Larry, who often stubbed a toe or banged a shin if he happened to try walking through the house at night with no lights. You never knew where the furniture might have been moved. This was something Dixie enjoyed throughout her whole life. Even at the nursing home, where she lived at the end of her life, she was often seen rearranging the sitting chairs in the common area.
In the early 1970s, Dixie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent the rest of her life enthusiastically telling others all she could about Jehovah God and all His wonderful promises found in the Bible. Her faith gave her great joy and peace of mind and gave her great comfort in times of grief, especially after the tragic death of her third child, Dana, in 1992.
In 2006, Dixie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. After a fall in 2015, she was moved to Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. Even as her memory faded and her words failed her, she held on to her incredible spunk. Her spirit was never broken. Her big, beautiful, blue eyes never failed to keep their wonderful sparkle.
She was a beautiful, passionate, strong-willed woman. Kind-hearted and as stubborn as they come, she always kept everyone on their toes. Her bright eyes, mischievous smile and infectious giggle charmed everyone she met.
She was an animal lover to the core and always surrounded herself with furry creatures of one sort or another. She passed this love of animals down to her children.
Dixie also loved to dance. Get the right music going and she would boogie the night away with a giant smile on her face. Even in the nursing home, the staff would tell her family how much they enjoyed a little dance with Dixie.
She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
Dixie was preceded in death by her biological father, Richard Sorenson; her mother, Maxine Boatright; her step-father, Kenneth Boatright; her brothers, Richard and Dennis Boatright; her brother-in-law, Thomas Chew; and her daughter, Dana Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wilson; her son, Ryan Wilson; her daughters, Ronna (Tony) Jaquinta and Shanie (Darien) Berg; her grandsons, Dane and Ty Jaquinta; her brother, Robin (Linda) Boatright; her sisters, Diana Chew and Roxanne (Kevin) Alderman; her sisters-in law, Margaret Ann Boatright and Karen Boatright; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Dixie will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, at Iles-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Spurgeon Manor, 1204 Linden St, Dallas Center, IA or to Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA.
The family would like to thank all of Dixie’s faithful family and friends for all of their love and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to her dear friend, Bivens, who was always there for Dixie all the way to the end. They also wish to thank Spurgeon Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Dixie during the last 3 years of her life. And much thanks to Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their tender care of Dixie in her final hours
She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 17, 1940 to Richard and Maxine Sorenson. Dixie and her younger sister, Diana, spent many of their summers with their beloved grandparents, John and Olive Sorenson. This tradition continued after their father’s unexpected death in 1943.
In 1946, Dixie’s mother married Kenneth Boatright, whom Dixie would come to view as her Dad. The newly established family settled in the small town of Urbandale, where Dixie graduated from Urbandale High School in 1959. She went on to work as an artist at Library Bindings in Des Moines for a short time, recreating the artwork found on book bindings.
On September 22, 1962, Dixie married her high school sweetheart, Larry T. Wilson. They were married for 56 years and raised 4 children together in the beautiful countryside outside of Minburn, Iowa. Dixie stayed at home to raise her children and care for their home. She was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a real home. She cleaned incessantly, to the point she would drive her family crazy. No unclaimed glass or cup could remain on her kitchen counters for any longer than a few minutes before it’s contents were dumped and placed in the dishwasher. Drink it or lose it! She also enjoyed moving and rearranging the furnishings in her home regularly. She loved coming up with new and better layouts for everything-much to the chagrin of Larry, who often stubbed a toe or banged a shin if he happened to try walking through the house at night with no lights. You never knew where the furniture might have been moved. This was something Dixie enjoyed throughout her whole life. Even at the nursing home, where she lived at the end of her life, she was often seen rearranging the sitting chairs in the common area.
In the early 1970s, Dixie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent the rest of her life enthusiastically telling others all she could about Jehovah God and all His wonderful promises found in the Bible. Her faith gave her great joy and peace of mind and gave her great comfort in times of grief, especially after the tragic death of her third child, Dana, in 1992.
In 2006, Dixie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. After a fall in 2015, she was moved to Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. Even as her memory faded and her words failed her, she held on to her incredible spunk. Her spirit was never broken. Her big, beautiful, blue eyes never failed to keep their wonderful sparkle.
She was a beautiful, passionate, strong-willed woman. Kind-hearted and as stubborn as they come, she always kept everyone on their toes. Her bright eyes, mischievous smile and infectious giggle charmed everyone she met.
She was an animal lover to the core and always surrounded herself with furry creatures of one sort or another. She passed this love of animals down to her children.
Dixie also loved to dance. Get the right music going and she would boogie the night away with a giant smile on her face. Even in the nursing home, the staff would tell her family how much they enjoyed a little dance with Dixie.
She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
Dixie was preceded in death by her biological father, Richard Sorenson; her mother, Maxine Boatright; her step-father, Kenneth Boatright; her brothers, Richard and Dennis Boatright; her brother-in-law, Thomas Chew; and her daughter, Dana Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wilson; her son, Ryan Wilson; her daughters, Ronna (Tony) Jaquinta and Shanie (Darien) Berg; her grandsons, Dane and Ty Jaquinta; her brother, Robin (Linda) Boatright; her sisters, Diana Chew and Roxanne (Kevin) Alderman; her sisters-in law, Margaret Ann Boatright and Karen Boatright; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Dixie will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, at Iles-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Spurgeon Manor, 1204 Linden St, Dallas Center, IA or to Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA.
The family would like to thank all of Dixie’s faithful family and friends for all of their love and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to her dear friend, Bivens, who was always there for Dixie all the way to the end. They also wish to thank Spurgeon Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Dixie during the last 3 years of her life. And much thanks to Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their tender care of Dixie in her final hours
Dixie Merle Lorraine Wilson, age 78, passed away early Saturday morning December 22, 2018 at the Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa.
She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 17, 1940 to Richard and Maxine Sorenson. Dixie and her younger sister, Diana, spent many of their summers with their beloved grandparents, John and Olive Sorenson. This tradition continued after their father’s unexpected death in 1943.
In 1946, Dixie’s mother married Kenneth Boatright, whom Dixie would come to view as her Dad. The newly established family settled in the small town of Urbandale, where Dixie graduated from Urbandale High School in 1959. She went on to work as an artist at Library Bindings in Des Moines for a short time, recreating the artwork found on book bindings.
On September 22, 1962, Dixie married her high school sweetheart, Larry T. Wilson. They were married for 56 years and raised 4 children together in the beautiful countryside outside of Minburn, Iowa. Dixie stayed at home to raise her children and care for their home. She was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a real home. She cleaned incessantly, to the point she would drive her family crazy. No unclaimed glass or cup could remain on her kitchen counters for any longer than a few minutes before it’s contents were dumped and placed in the dishwasher. Drink it or lose it! She also enjoyed moving and rearranging the furnishings in her home regularly. She loved coming up with new and better layouts for everything-much to the chagrin of Larry, who often stubbed a toe or banged a shin if he happened to try walking through the house at night with no lights. You never knew where the furniture might have been moved. This was something Dixie enjoyed throughout her whole life. Even at the nursing home, where she lived at the end of her life, she was often seen rearranging the sitting chairs in the common area.
In the early 1970s, Dixie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent the rest of her life enthusiastically telling others all she could about Jehovah God and all His wonderful promises found in the Bible. Her faith gave her great joy and peace of mind and gave her great comfort in times of grief, especially after the tragic death of her third child, Dana, in 1992.
In 2006, Dixie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. After a fall in 2015, she was moved to Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. Even as her memory faded and her words failed her, she held on to her incredible spunk. Her spirit was never broken. Her big, beautiful, blue eyes never failed to keep their wonderful sparkle.
She was a beautiful, passionate, strong-willed woman. Kind-hearted and as stubborn as they come, she always kept everyone on their toes. Her bright eyes, mischievous smile and infectious giggle charmed everyone she met.
She was an animal lover to the core and always surrounded herself with furry creatures of one sort or another. She passed this love of animals down to her children.
Dixie also loved to dance. Get the right music going and she would boogie the night away with a giant smile on her face. Even in the nursing home, the staff would tell her family how much they enjoyed a little dance with Dixie.
She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
Dixie was preceded in death by her biological father, Richard Sorenson; her mother, Maxine Boatright; her step-father, Kenneth Boatright; her brothers, Richard and Dennis Boatright; her brother-in-law, Thomas Chew; and her daughter, Dana Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wilson; her son, Ryan Wilson; her daughters, Ronna (Tony) Jaquinta and Shanie (Darien) Berg; her grandsons, Dane and Ty Jaquinta; her brother, Robin (Linda) Boatright; her sisters, Diana Chew and Roxanne (Kevin) Alderman; her sisters-in law, Margaret Ann Boatright and Karen Boatright; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Dixie will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, at Iles-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Spurgeon Manor, 1204 Linden St, Dallas Center, IA or to Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA.
The family would like to thank all of Dixie’s faithful family and friends for all of their love and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to her dear friend, Bivens, who was always there for Dixie all the way to the end. They also wish to thank Spurgeon Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Dixie during the last 3 years of her life. And much thanks to Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their tender care of Dixie in her final hours
She was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 17, 1940 to Richard and Maxine Sorenson. Dixie and her younger sister, Diana, spent many of their summers with their beloved grandparents, John and Olive Sorenson. This tradition continued after their father’s unexpected death in 1943.
In 1946, Dixie’s mother married Kenneth Boatright, whom Dixie would come to view as her Dad. The newly established family settled in the small town of Urbandale, where Dixie graduated from Urbandale High School in 1959. She went on to work as an artist at Library Bindings in Des Moines for a short time, recreating the artwork found on book bindings.
On September 22, 1962, Dixie married her high school sweetheart, Larry T. Wilson. They were married for 56 years and raised 4 children together in the beautiful countryside outside of Minburn, Iowa. Dixie stayed at home to raise her children and care for their home. She was a wonderful homemaker and truly made their house a real home. She cleaned incessantly, to the point she would drive her family crazy. No unclaimed glass or cup could remain on her kitchen counters for any longer than a few minutes before it’s contents were dumped and placed in the dishwasher. Drink it or lose it! She also enjoyed moving and rearranging the furnishings in her home regularly. She loved coming up with new and better layouts for everything-much to the chagrin of Larry, who often stubbed a toe or banged a shin if he happened to try walking through the house at night with no lights. You never knew where the furniture might have been moved. This was something Dixie enjoyed throughout her whole life. Even at the nursing home, where she lived at the end of her life, she was often seen rearranging the sitting chairs in the common area.
In the early 1970s, Dixie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent the rest of her life enthusiastically telling others all she could about Jehovah God and all His wonderful promises found in the Bible. Her faith gave her great joy and peace of mind and gave her great comfort in times of grief, especially after the tragic death of her third child, Dana, in 1992.
In 2006, Dixie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. After a fall in 2015, she was moved to Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, Iowa. Even as her memory faded and her words failed her, she held on to her incredible spunk. Her spirit was never broken. Her big, beautiful, blue eyes never failed to keep their wonderful sparkle.
She was a beautiful, passionate, strong-willed woman. Kind-hearted and as stubborn as they come, she always kept everyone on their toes. Her bright eyes, mischievous smile and infectious giggle charmed everyone she met.
She was an animal lover to the core and always surrounded herself with furry creatures of one sort or another. She passed this love of animals down to her children.
Dixie also loved to dance. Get the right music going and she would boogie the night away with a giant smile on her face. Even in the nursing home, the staff would tell her family how much they enjoyed a little dance with Dixie.
She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
Dixie was preceded in death by her biological father, Richard Sorenson; her mother, Maxine Boatright; her step-father, Kenneth Boatright; her brothers, Richard and Dennis Boatright; her brother-in-law, Thomas Chew; and her daughter, Dana Wilson. She is survived by her husband, Larry Wilson; her son, Ryan Wilson; her daughters, Ronna (Tony) Jaquinta and Shanie (Darien) Berg; her grandsons, Dane and Ty Jaquinta; her brother, Robin (Linda) Boatright; her sisters, Diana Chew and Roxanne (Kevin) Alderman; her sisters-in law, Margaret Ann Boatright and Karen Boatright; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Dixie will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 28, at Iles-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Spurgeon Manor, 1204 Linden St, Dallas Center, IA or to Mercy Hospice-Johnston, 5820 Winwood Dr, Johnston, IA.
The family would like to thank all of Dixie’s faithful family and friends for all of their love and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to her dear friend, Bivens, who was always there for Dixie all the way to the end. They also wish to thank Spurgeon Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Dixie during the last 3 years of her life. And much thanks to Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their tender care of Dixie in her final hours
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