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Paul & Frances (Long) Petrowski
Lebanon CT
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I can remember her visiting us after my Mom, Arleen, David, and I moved to Belle Fourche. She was such a nice lady.
Elizabeth (Marty) May
Kyle, SD
“Let There Be Memories” People come and go in our lives, but then there are the ones you know had a profound difference in which you have become. For me I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have had several people that have contributed to my success, but none more than Dixie. I guess my first introduction to Dixie would have been the fall of 1969 or 70. I was one of three starting the third grade at Govert School. I remember thinking how pretty her nails were. I don’t know, but maybe I had never seen anyone with painted nails. Her hair was perfect with not a strand out of place and she wore a new dress suit that seemed to be bluer than the sky. Of course her short height was obvious even to a third grader, but I would learn with the years to come that she was six foot and bullet proof. There were 13 kids and 8 grades at Govert School that year. I think it was the best year ever for the baseball team. We had 15 minute morning recess, thirty minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon recess. In the fall it was baseball, winter was consumed with snow tunnels and the spring was going down the road to look at the spring thaw consuming the Moreau River. Oh how we all wanted to get in the water. I think there were a few times when we did manage to escape Dixie’s sight and get our feet wet. Of course it was like a big family by spring and she had the older kids to help keep an eye on the younger ones. In the fall Dixie would referee any fights with the baseball games and there were plenty. Blair, Nancee Jensen and I were the 3rd graders at Govert School. Nancee and I were always on the same team and Blair was always on the other. It was a constant fight and Dixie was always trying to keeping the peace. I remember one time I was up to bat and Blair was the catcher. I hit the ball and threw the bat (by accident of course) hitting Blair square in the forehead knocking him coo-coo. By the time I got around to home base he had gathered his senses. Needless to say there was quite a bit of dust being stirred up by the time Dixie got there. She pulled us apart and if my memory serves me right this would have been the first time I was introduced to time out. Blair and I had to sit looking at one another and hold hands for the remainder of the recess. It is funny though, in all the years of knowing Dixie I don’t ever remember her raising her voice at us. I guess this would be the part of six foot and bullet proof. The first big snow for us at Govert meant new and bigger snow tunnels. Dixie on occasion would let us have a longer lunch break so we could continue a certain room in the tunnel. We always had several rooms and they were tall enough most of us could stand up in them. I guess this was Dixie’s idea of “Imagination Class”. And that it was, as we had all kinds of things going on in those tunnels. With the boys it was all about war and hiding and for us girls it was about making it look presentable for any visitors that might come. We had all the cook wear, utensils and the chairs were made out of snow. Even now I think about how really well built these tunnels were and wonder if any kids have ever made tunnels like we did. Finally when we thought it was just right we would invite Dixie to our secret place. She would bundle up and walk on top of the snow banks to the tunnel. You had to go in from the top and it must have been quit a task for her, but she never complained. Dixie acted so interested with every detail. She would sit on the snow chairs converse about what each room was and then probably contemplate how or who was going to help get her out of there. The only time I can remember any trouble getting back to the school from the tunnel was when she fell through a drift right by the water well. The snow was blowing and it was cold. I can’t remember for sure, but I think the boys helped her out of the drift. The fall and spring were always busy with rattlesnakes under the front step. Dixie had us always on the lookout for snakes. We took that seriously and sometimes even went looking for them. It was interesting sometimes when one would be found in the outhouse. I’ve always been relieved that I never had to find one in there. Dixie was good with the shovel and could kill any snake that got within sight of the school. I think we all enjoyed watching her disassemble the snakes. You must wonder, did Dixie ever teach or was she too busy with baseball, snow tunnels and snakes. Let me assure you that reading, writing and arithmetic were at the top of her agenda. I didn’t have much trouble with school until the multiplication tables entered my life. What crazy stuff and why would anyone need to memorize them. Counting on your fingers worked just fine for me and I would continue doing it my way. The part I had not anticipated was my Mother and Dixie ganging up on me at the same time. The plan was for Mom to drill me on the 12 mile trip to school in the morning and evening and Dixie would gang me at school. They won and by the end of the school year I knew them all. I hated to admit it at the time, but that was probably the most helpful of all the education that I received. I very seldom do multiplications that I don’t think about Mom and Dixie and the relentless effort toward making sure I never forgot how to multiply. Dixie was a big reader and read out loud everyday countless books to us as a class. The book that convinced me to read was Old Yeller. Dixie could read that book out loud like no other. I was a believer after that and have had book in hand every since. The memories starting in the 3rd grade only scratch the surface. There were countless skating parties, field trips, sock hops, birthday parties and Reva dances over the years that she was always a part of. Dixie was more than an educator she was one of those rare people that truly made a difference in people’s lives. I’m so grateful to have known her and been blessed with all the wisdom that she shared with me over the years. Thank you Dixie for everything…. Elizabeth (Marty) May
Amy (Thompson) Binstock
South Heart, ND
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dixie's family and friends. I have many fond memories of Dixie from my childhood. In the summers, my Grandma Collie Lermeny would take myself and some of my other cousins to Dixie's house to visit. A lot of times we would try to help her with her yard work. However, it was always hard to get any work done because Dixie was always trying to offer us snacks! She was a truly wonderful lady with a HUGE heart. She always had a hug and smile for everyone!
Carmon Hamilton
Belle Fourche, S.D.
Didn't think I'd be doing this so soon after losing Blair but somehow I just know Aunt Dixie wanted to be with him. One of my favorite memories of Aunt Dixie is Blair and I laying in bed with Dix in the middle reading Brear Rabbit to us. I must have been 7 and Blair 4. I've always taken pride in my yard and I give Dixie credit for that because as a child at the ranch she would always make me do all the lawn snipping. Oh how I hated that then but love it now. Whenever I do it I think of her. I will miss you Aunt Dixie. Rest in peace and give Blair a hug for me. Love you both.
Don ( Pinky ) Pinkerton & family, Ruth, Doug Vostad
Rapid City, SD
Our sympathy goes out to all of you. Our family and the Hamiltons are just like one big family, I use to call her Aunt Dixie just like the kids, she will be missed.
lindsey wolff hunsley
spearfish,sd
we will miss you aunt Dixie i have so many great memories of you and Blair when i was little always excited to see you guys!! always thought you were so tiny and cute! we love you and will see you again someday! love, lindsey
Dale F Robinson
Belle Fourche, SD 57717
Dixie was one great lady. I first met Dixie when I worked with Maurice with ABS semen and breeding cattle, and later we spent considerable time following Blair and Kirk when they wrestled in high school. We will all miss her bubbly spirit.
Reva Paulson
Belle Fourche, SD
When I think of you Dixie, I think of such a grand lady. You touched my heart in ways I can't even describe. You may have been tiny in stature but you left a legacy bigger than life. Rest in peace kind lady. Maurice, my heart goes out to you. You have endured far too much saddness and loss. May you be comforted by the thoughts and prayers that are offered. You and your loved ones will always be near and dear to my heart. Reve
Mona Slocum
Corvallis, OR
Dear Maurice, Just heard about Dixie and am so sorry. You've had a hard several months. I hope you have someone with you to help. We saw Dixie for a few minutes when we were in So. Dakota last August. Again, our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Mona Slocum Zilpha Smith, Lorna Meink
Marjorie (Jorie) Murray Wampler
Brea, CA
Dear Maurice, I'm so sorry for your loss in both Dixie and Blair. I know you don't know me, but I wanted to offer my condolences anyway. I'm the daughter of David John Murray who was the son of Richard "Dick" Murray who was the son of George Edward Murray. Dixie's mother, Ella was the sister of my Great Grandfather, George Murray and would have been my Great Aunt. Unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of knowing her, Dixie or Blair. I've been doing a lot of family research and have been looking in vain for the names of George's parents. In following the lines and leads of various records, and hoping to work backwards, I came upon Dixie and Blair and realized that your loss has occurred just recently. Again, I'm so very sorry. May happy memories be of comfort to you. Blessings to you, Jorie Murray Wampler