Dixie Taylor

Barbara Dixie Thomas Taylor entered the world on May 1, 1934 and left us on August 8, 2019. She was the last of eleven children born to LeRoy Wilson Thomas and Christina Orrick Ferguson Thomas. She was born and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah. She graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1952. Dixie suffered from rheumatic fever as a junior in high school and because of this had ongoing heart issues throughout her life that she conquered, until her heart ultimately gave out at 85 years of age. She lost her mother when she was 21 and had a very close relationship with her dear “Daddy,” who passed away in 1967.

Dixie worked full time while raising her three children: Rod Richardson, Mark Logan, and Karen Greaves. She met the love of her life when she was set up on a blind date  with Roger Taylor by mutual friends. They were married on April 2, 1970, and later sealed in the Jordan River temple on August 31, 1994. Roger had three adorable girls—Jan, Sharlyn, and MarNae—so their family was instantly doubled.

Throughout their years together they enjoyed camping, going on cruises, and showing Roger’s antique cars at car shows throughout the state. They made new friends everywhere they went and cherished these friendships. Their kids were lucky to have “Rog and Dix” as grandparents, as their motto was “Need Help, Will Travel.” Often at a moment’s notice Grandma Dixie and Grandpa Roger would be there to help.

Dixie excelled at bookkeeping. She was always the scorekeeper for her Tuesday night bowling team. After working in central planning for Geneva, and as a secretary for John Paras Furniture, she went on to work as the personnel secretary at ZCMI and retired from there in 1991.

Dixie always left a kitchen cleaner than she found it. A drinking glass would be washed and put away before you knew you had set it down. If you had laundry out it would be folded, and no one who lived with her ever went out in wrinkled clothing, as she was a master ironer and wrinkles were not allowed. She always ironed her clothes before packing them for a trip.

Dixie’s house was always immaculate. She made a delicious pot roast on Sundays and the best mashed potatoes and gravy. Super Bowl Sundays and holidays spent at Grandma Dixie’s are cherished memories. She had several hundred Santas she collected throughout the years and Christmas was always extra festive at Grandma’s house.

Dixie was a sweet lady inside and out and had a sweet tooth that probably will never be matched. She put sugar on her sugar frosted flakes, in her hot chocolate, and on pancakes, toast, and crackers. She loved chocolate chip cookie dough, rice krispie treats and marshmallow peeps.

Dixie put other’s needs above her own and was unselfish to a fault. She always remembered birthdays and important occasions, and as the family expanded with sons- and daughters-in-law and grandchildren she would send a card to each and every family member, making sure to underline the most important part of the message.

She had great faith in our Savior and believed in the power of prayer. She continued to attend the temple with her daughter Karen throughout the last months of her life.

Dixie took pride in her appearance—with her curly gray hair and pink lipstick on she was always in a color-coordinated outfit with matching earrings, necklace, and a spritz of White Diamonds perfume.

We enjoyed countless rounds of rummy at Grandmaʼs house and when Dixie stood up to play her cards you knew she had won...again.

Roger and Dixie lived in Orem for 20 years and later American Fork for almost 30 years. They recently moved to Spring Gardens assisted living center, where Dixie made many new friends and felt so welcomed and cared for by the loving staff there.

Dixie is survived by her loving husband Roger, son Rod Richardson (Susan), and daughters; Karen Webb (Joel), Jan Read (Rob), Shar Morton (Ray), MarNae Taylor; her brother Jerry Thomas (LaNyle), sister-in-law Clara Thomas (Gene), brother- and sister-in-law Doug and Rose Taylor, and sister-in-law Deanna Taylor.

She was a caring, thoughtful Grandma to 18 children and great-Grandma to 12. She is preceded in death by 9 siblings and her son Mark Coleman Logan.

Dixie loved many things—cheering for the Utah Jazz and BYU Cougars, eating candy corn and Hersheyʼs Kisses by the bag, Elvis and Alan Jackson, her “grand dogs” Shelby and Otto, her children and their families, but most of all Roger, who was by her side through all of life’s ups and downs for more than 49 years.

Dixie’s viewing will be held Monday, August 12 from 6-8 pm at Anderson Mortuary in American Fork and from 10:30 - 11:30 on Tuesday August 13 prior to the funeral services at the American Fork 25th ward Chapel. Her funeral will be held Tuesday August 13 at noon at the American Fork 25th ward chapel at 320 North 100 East American Fork. Interment at American Fork Cemetery.