Dixie Lorene Morse Gillin, 84, wife, mom and friend to many, passed away in Forsyth, MT on October 11, 2012.
Dixie was a strong and devoted rancher’s wife, a loving mom, a dog wrangler, and a wicked card player. She was known for welcoming guests, feeding them well, a love of Ireland, and for her sense of humor.
Dixie was born into the third generation of a Wyoming ranching family on January 11, 1928 in Gillette, Wyoming. She attended the country school by her family’s ranch, 8th grade in California, high school at Campbell County High School in Gillette, and went to the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
In 1946 at the Broadus Rodeo, Dixie met a handsome young bronc rider named Bill Gillin. On June 15, 1948 they were married in Sheridan, Wyoming and began their life together on their cattle ranch on West Armells Creek, Montana. They had 64 wonderful years together.
Dixie is survived by her husband, Bill Gillin, and her children William Thomas “Tom” Gillin of Colorado Springs, CO; TJ Cape (Dennis) of West Armells Creek, MT; Becky Miller (Larry) of Colstrip, MT; and Katy Boos of Bend, OR. She is also survived by her niece Mary (Ken) Wolf of Sun Lakes, AZ, who was like a sister to Dixie, and her grandchildren, Jon Gillin, Trisha (Gillin) Croatt, Gillian Rose Miller, Phoebe Miller, Justin Cape, Riley Boos, Audrey Boos, Bridget Boos, and 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father Glenn and mother Mary (Garrity) Morse, and siblings Glenda Noteware, Wayne Morse and Jayne Harris Voiles.
A vigil will be held at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Colstrip, MT on Monday, October 15 at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be officiated by Father Samuel Spiering at St. Margaret Mary Parish on Tuesday, October 16 at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at the Forsyth Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip , or to Powder River Chapter DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Memorial Scholarship 1018 S. Stacy Miles City, MT 59301.
You will always be in our hearts.
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
7:00 PM
Monday October 15, 2012
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday October 16, 2012
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Rosary & Vigil
7:00 PM
Monday October 15, 2012
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Tuesday October 16, 2012
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, MT 59323
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Jack and Carol says
We were so sorry to hear about Dixie. I will always remember her happy smile. She will be missed in the community.
Kay says
My heart goes out to you. Bill and Dixie were lifesavers for me when Alex was little. Our Sunday visits to the ranch were a very important piece of Alex’s childhood and I will be forever grateful for Dixie’s kindness and open door. Love K
Debbie Hayton says
So sad to lose Aunt Dixie. Cherish your memories of her. I know she and Mom are rejoicing at their reunion in heaven. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. My love to all!
Debbie & Pete Nolan says
Our condolences.
Joe Hanna says
Thinking about you.
My condolences
Dick and Noelle Pinkerton says
Dixie was a light for me when Dick and I first were married and living at Ashenhurst’s. She always showed me the humor in the things I thought were so major! I could go home and giggle about my silly distresses after visiting with her! Thank you!
Richard & Marilyn Boese says
To the Gillin Family;
We are so sorry for your loss.I recall what a treat it was to encounter Dixie any where, any time. The briefest of conversations left me feeling better as she had a gift for making one’s load seem lighter even back then. Dixie was a gift to us all. She ranks among those I wish I had gotten to know better in retrospect. We were blessed to have her even a small part of our lives. Blessings on you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely; Richard & Marilyn!!
Mike and Jamie Susslin says
Dixie was such a friendly and spunky lady. She was always very welcoming to us. We always look forward to our visit to the ranch and our chats with Dixie and Bill. She will be missed very much. Our thoughts go out to all of her family and friends and we know she had many.
Harley & Hazel Saddler says
To the Gillan Family
We are sorry to hear Dixie has left us. We still remember the last visit we had with her and Bill.
You are in our prayers.
Sheila McRae Satterlee says
To all of Dixie’s family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a special person and leaves behind lots of loving family and animals. The world will be an enptier place without her. Our prayers are with you all.