Dixie Eaton

A celebration of life for Dixie Dee Eaton will be held on November 27^th, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.

Dixie Dee (White) Eaton was born May 8, 1931, on Deadhorse Creek with her twin sister Dona, at the time of the Great Depression, to Ralph and Gladys White. She passed away on November 17, 2023, at Crestview Care Center. Dixie grew up on a farm west of Chadron and was a hard worker, helping with all the family chores. She shared her parents’ interest in county fairs and extension work. She graduated from Chadron Prep Academy and then married Raymond Eaton in 1950. They were parents to one son, Jake, who passed away in 1972. Dixie and Raymond were married for 62 years before Raymond’s death in 2012. They owned property east of town on Bordeaux Creek then moved north of Whitney in 1976 where they continued ranching for 4 more years. They found a special interest in riding in parades and rural events with their 2 mules and with a team of Percherons pulling a wagon. Dixie was an active member of the community for most of her life. She started on the Dawes County Fair board in 1972 and was the open class chairman at the fair for over 20 years. Her co-workers on the fair board recognized her years of hard work by dedicating the Dixie Eaton Hall, the west end of the 4-H building at the fairgrounds to her. She was inducted into the Dawes County Ag Hall of Fame in 1994. Dixie served as the chairperson of the Home Extension Council, as did her mother before her. She was also active with the Ride the Ridge, Centennial Saddle Club, and the Dawes County Historical Museum. She was the secretary of the Whitney Water District for several years and was also a longtime member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chadron. Most of Dixie’s life was spent in the Dawes County Assessor’s office, as she was the Assessor for 38 years and before that was the office clerk. She enjoyed serving the people of Dawes County and was very devoted to her job. She was named President of the Nebraska Assessor’s Association. Dixie loved to entertain and there was always an extra plate at the table for anyone who might stop by. She could always find something to smile about, and her heart was so kind. She always provided a helping hand and a listening ear for anyone who needed it.

She is survived by her nieces Patty Kelley (Gary), Peggy Fox (Jim), Pam Soester (Casey), Sharon Gregory (Dennis), Annie Sellman (Richard), Sydney Gottwald, Kori Kruse (Brent), Nephews Kenny Conner (Jo), Terry Eaton (Pam), Wil Armstrong (Kristy), Siter-in-law Wilma Eaton, guardian parent to Chuck Jacobs and family, and several great nieces and nephews.

A memorial has been established for Dawes County 4-H Council.

We would like to thank all the personnel and care givers at Prairie Pines and Crestview Care Center for their wonderful care and going above and beyond to help in any way they could.