Dixie Olsen, age 95, passed away peacefully in her home on the morning of November 22, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born during the Great Depression in Bartley, West Virginia, Dixie was the daughter of a coal miner whose family journey took them from the hills of West Virginia to Wellington, Utah, and eventually to Grass Valley.
Dixie graduated from Grass Valley High School in 1948. She married the love of her life Lloyd and together they built a life defined by hard work, creativity and family devotion. Dixie worked for Conway’s dress shop as a seamstress before joining Safeway where she was employed for 25 years. After retiring, she rekindled her passion for art by taking classes at Sierra College and dedicating time to painting, quilting, gardening, and volunteering as an art docent at her grandchildren’s local schools.
A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dixie had a deep passion for family genealogy. She spent countless hours researching her ancestors, meticulously tracing her family’s rich history.
Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in their stories, achievements and growth. Her unconditional love and wisdom were gifts she generously shared across generations.
Dixie was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd and is survived by her sons Melvin (Patti) and Ernie (Deby), grandchildren Matt (Robin) and Sarah, and great-grandchildren Jack, Julia and Robert. She will be remembered as an energetic, inspiring and loving individual who touched countless lives through her art, volunteerism and boundless love.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary.