Dixie L Emerson

Dixie Lee Emerson age 81 passed away on October 18, 2019 after complications following heart surgery. She was born August 25, 1938 in Kalispell, Montana to Chauncey (Chance) Beebe and his wife Beatrice. Dixie was a true Montana Native. Her family’s legacy was rooted in our own Glacier National Park, as her grandfather, Chance was one of the first rangers in the park in 1917 to hold station in the North Fork, Two Medicine, St. Mary’s and Many Glacier rangers stations with his wife Eva. Dixie was proud of her connection and would often share these early homesteading stories she heard growing up, many of which are published throughout the Glacier historical literature. Dixie was raised in Columbia Falls, Montana with her 5 Siblings. Sisters Laura, Donna, Nancy and Eva as well as her brother Don Beebe. She attended CFHS and graduated in 1956. She remained close with many of her classmates throughout the years, often attending lunches or meeting up for coffee. In the years 1960 Dixie the one true love of her life James (Jim) Emerson and they soon married on October 22 of that same year. They established their home on Conn Rd. in Columbia Falls raising their 3 children Jodi, Chad and Eric. Most days went by with Jim working on a project in his shop, a handful of kids playing in the barn or within and around the tree farm, often building forts and lighting fireworks, all while Dixie oversaw it all with unending snacks and hugs for every kid that ran though her kitchen. For several years she balanced family life with a career while working at the Hungry Horse News. When her husband Jim was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, Dixie remained Close by his side as his primary caregiver and best friend till his passing in the fall of 1998, she never remarried nor ever took off her wedding set. She instead lived independently and traveled the world with her sisters. She took on a part time job at South Side Antiques to pass the time and stay involved with people in her community. Dixie was a devoted grandmother to her 5 grandchildren Amanda, Alyssa, Logan, Liv and Chance. She was constantly attending their many special events and activities or babysitting with a loving heart and watchful eye. She took special notice in their varied interests, always sitting and listening about their day or concerns. There was never any doubt she loved each of them fiercely. She was an extraordinary Gramma. Dixie was proceeded in death by her parents, Chauncey and Beatrice, her sisters Nancy, Donna and Laura, her beloved Jim and her youngest son Eric. She is survived by her son Chad (Brandi) father of grandson Logan, Daughter Jodi (Reid) mother of granddaughters Amanda and Alyssa, Daughter-in-law Melissa mother of granddaughter Liv and grandson Chance her sister Eva (Bob) and her brother Don. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Dixie Emerson was a gift to all that knew her because of her insatiable sense of humor, appreciation of the simple things in life and the unwavering love for her family that spanned many generations There will be a visitation held for Dixie 5-7 pm Saturday October 26, 2019 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory, with services to be held at 2pm Sunday October 27, 2019 at Adventure Church 248 2nd Ave. West Kalispell with burial to follow services at St. Richards Cemetery Columbia Falls.  Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

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