Dixie A Christensen

Dixie (79) was born November 25, 1944, to Mary and Richard “Dick” Snoddy of Rifle, Colorado. She was the second child of three with an older brother Ron and a younger brother Joe.

Summers for young Dixie were spent at the Bill Brennan Ranch north of Rifle at Piceance Creek. Dixie’s mother’s side of the family included Mary and seven aunts and uncles, one of which was “Uncle Bill.” Dixie cherished every moment at Uncle Bill’s ranch and cow camp. Dixie spent every hour possible outside playing with cousins Kay, Mike, Jim, and Helen. As one of the older cousins, Dix ruled the roost. Dixie was always fun and was ready for anything. Nearly every day involved catching and saddling enough horses for all the kids to “help” Uncle Bill gather cattle or brand calves. All of Dixie’s uncles held legendary status in her heart but Uncle Bill was even more of a hero and legend to Dixie. She would years later name her son in his honor.

Dixie graduated from Rifle High School class of 1962 and then attended Mesa Junior College. In high school, Dixie met who would become her life-long love David Christensen. David along with sister Vicky lived south of Silt, Colorado with their parents Wilma and Leonard who owned and operated a cattle ranch.

Dixie and Dave continued to date and eventually married June 14, 1964, in Rifle Colorado. Their wedding date was shared with Flag Day; Dave always appreciated the reminder when he saw flags out that it was his anniversary. They celebrated nearly 54 years of marriage before Dave’s passing in 2018.

During this time Dixie and Dave raised two children, Bill and Lisa. Dixie was a devoted wife for 54 years and together the two prospered both in family and business. Dixie would tell you that her greatest love was always her husband Dave and her family. Dave always said the same. They exemplified a loving and caring marriage that remained until the last day.

Dixie was a bookkeeper for a few local businesses before operating her own bookkeeping practice for many years. Then in 1987, Dixie started working with her son Bill at WD Yards, Inc. where she spent the majority of her professional career. Dixie ran the office and all aspects of the accounting. Dixie worked long hours and always wanted the business to be strong.

Dixie’s daughter Lisa shares her mother’s spirit. Lisa lived and adventured in Alaska and Hawaii before returning to Grand Junction. She co-owns and operates Meadowlark Garden on the Redlands.

Family was the cornerstone of Dixie’s life. She maintained close connections with her extended family, always the go-to person for news within the Brennan-Snoddy-Christensen clans. She always looked forward to birthday parties, weddings, and even family funerals since they were a time to come together to celebrate and comfort one another.

For the past 15 years, Dixie found joy and camaraderie in her exercise class at Crossroads Fitness. Her weekly classes helped strengthen her and provided friendships that have lasted for years. Recently, as her health declined, she had missed going to her classes and being with this very special group of people.

In addition to Dave and her two children, Dixie had a soft place in her heart for her four grandchildren: Jake, Annie, Will, and Jack. She went to all their events and more baseball games than you can imagine. She had tea parties with Annie, and she put up a playhouse and swing for Jack, Will, and Jake in her backyard.

She is survived by her brother Joe (Phyllis) Snoddy, sister-in-law Terry Snow, and sister-in-law Vicky (Tom) Swenson. She is also survived by her son Bill (Angela) Christensen and her daughter Lisa Hatcher along with her beloved grandchildren Jake, Annie, and Will Christensen and Jack Hatcher.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dave, her brother Ron Snow, and her parents.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Callahan Edfast Mortuary. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at her home to celebrate her life.