Dixie Alice Holden Alley, born to Charles (Chuck) and Mary Holden, June 28, 1966, in Ogden, Utah, died in her home in Lynnwood, Washington, surrounded by family, on Thursday, July 9, 2015, after a two year struggle with oral and lung cancers.
Dixie grew up in Boise, Idaho, graduating from Borah High School in 1985; and going on to attend Boise State University where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Records in 1995. Dixie worked for Blue Cross of Idaho and later Micron Technology in Boise, Idaho. Dixie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving as a teacher in both the primary and young women organizations, and served a mission to the deaf-speaking mission of the Chicago/Indianapolis Area Mission. Throughout her life, Dixie worked with special needs youth who needed extra help fitting in and attending meetings. She served to interpret for the deaf as well as facilitate church attendance for several youth with disabilities.
Following her marriage to Richard Alley in 2001, Dixie moved to Lynnwood where she realized her dream of becoming a full time homemaker, raising their daughter, Amanda, and son, Marcus. After Marcus was old enough to attend school, Dixie worked in the Edmonds No. 15 School District as a Substitute Parent Educator in the same school her son attended. At Hazelwood Elementary, Dixie used her talents of love and tenderness to work with autistic children. She had a unique ability to reach many children who would have been unnoticed or dismissed by much of the world.
In Lynnwood, Dixie lived a happy and rewarding life with her husband Richard, daughter Amanda (husband Jon), son Marcus, and grandson Maxwell. Here, Dixie’s smile and laughter influenced many in the community. She never met a person she did not consider a friend. In her last weeks of life, Dixie suffered greatly from not being able to eat or drink due to the progression of the cancers. She was, however, determined to keep her friends and family close by. She would happily welcome any visitors to jump on up on the bed and give her a hug and chat with her as long as they could stay.
Dixie enjoyed reading, journaling, taking long trips, shopping, and long walks, but mostly spending time with friends and family-surrounded by joy and laughter.
She was the third child and oldest daughter of Chuck and Mary Holden. Dixie was preceded in death by her mother. She is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter Amanda Wallin (Jon); son Marcus; grandson Maxwell Wallin; father Chuck Holden; brothers Blane Holden (Diana), Mark Holden (Lana), and Lyle Holden (Paige); sisters Wendy Ward (Scott) and Gwendolyn Sebastian (Mark), and a large family of nieces and nephews.
Dixie will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her sweet spirit and loving nature. At Dixie’s request, in lieu of flowers, those wishing to pay respect to her memory are asked to consider a donation to her Go-Fund-Me-Account that has been set up to assist in final expenses incurred during her battle with cancer, which can be accessed via the following link: www.gofundme.com/nvvga4.
Our beloved Dixie’s memorial service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. (viewing at 10:00 a.m.) at the LDS Chapel at 17321 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Lunch will be served for all attendees following the memorial service.
Dixie will be lovingly put to rest on Monday, July 20, 2015, in the Meridian Cemetery, located at 895 E. Franklin Road, Meridian, Idaho, near her beloved mother. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided to friends and family at the Paramount LDS Stake Center, 2515 W. Ustick Road, Meridian, ID 83646, following the service.