Our beloved, sweet mother, grandma, sister and aunt passed away peacefully on June 7, 2009. We will miss her dearly, but we rejoice that she is free from the limitations of Alzheimer's and can once again sing, dance and communicate her love. Dixie was born on Aug., 27, 1935, to Gwendolyn Wadsworth and Grant Donald Keaton. In her youth, she sang and danced until she became ill with polio. With determination, Dixie learned to walk again and went on to perform in many productions throughout high school and college. Her beautiful voice and love for music were hallmarks in every chapter of her life. Dixie graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education from Utah State University and later received her elementary and early childhood certification. She enjoyed teaching in Preston, Idaho; Chicago, Ill.; and later in Bountiful, Utah. Dixie married her college sweetheart, Bill Rose, in the Logan LDS Temple on May 29, 1959. After spending parts of their early marriage in Chicago and Logan while Bill finished school, they settled in Bountiful where they raised four children. Dixie was often involved in the community and was the director of the Bountiful Children's Choir for a time. She resumed her career at Oak Hills Elementary teaching kindergarten from 1976 until her retirement 21 years later. She touched the lives of many grateful students who expressed their love to her for many more years. She was a faithful member of the LDS Church and served in many callings. Dixie and Bill traveled in their retirement years, fulfilling their dream to visit places such as Nauvoo and China. The family would like to thank all those who have helped in caring for Dixie, namely Orchard Cove. Their love and care are deeply appreciated. She will be missed by her children, Jeff Rose (Gaylene) of South Jordan; Rick Rose (Michelle) of Smithfield; and Tammy Gephart (Paul) of Bountiful; her brother, Don Keaton (Jean) of Kaysville; her 13 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She is now reunited with her husband; parents; son (Jerry); and another infant son. No doubt Dixie will again sing with heavenly choirs. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2009, at the Barton Creek Ward Chapel, 640 S. 750 East, Bountiful. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main, and from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church prior to services. Interment will be at the Logan City Cemetery at 3 p.m. Condolences can be offered at www.russonmortuary.com/dixie_rose.
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