Dixie Lew Williams

Dixie Lew Williams November 8, 1921 – March 15, 2011 Dixie Lew Williams was born November 9, 1921 to Lew and Marie Young. A long time pioneering family that settled in lower Grand Valley in the early 1900's, they were active in the farming and ranching business. Dixie attended grade school and graduated from Fruita High School. Her youth was spent in Fruita and DeBeque at the family ranch. She attended the Barnes School of Business in Denver, Colorado. She met and married Clarence McGraw. They had two children and lived in Denver until their divorce. She then returned to Fruita and worked her farm, which was considered a landmark, until recently. Dixie was active in many community affairs. She was instrumental in supporting many politicians, a member of the International Soroptomists Club and the Frontier Side Saddlers. Mrs. Williams' son, Lew McGraw in 2007, and her granddaughter, Renee Gerlofs in 1992 preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Gerlofs and her granddaughter, Robin Gerlofs Ocampo. Also representing Dixie is her good friend and long time companion, Robert Prather. Services will be held at Callahan-Edfast on Wednesday, March 23, at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life and encouraged to wear casual western wear, and since Red was Dixie's favorite color, RED is suggested. In lieu of flowers, Sharon has set up a scholarship fund to benefit young deserving women. Please send donations to Robin Gerlofs, 7625 S. Cove Circle, Centennial, CO 80122.