Dixie Diane Harms

It's with a really heavy heart that we announce that Dixie Diane (Hill) Harms passed away on January 5, 2025 after a long illness. She battled MS for more than 30 years, "kicked cancer's ass" (her words), and eventually Alzheimer's. She tackled all of life's challenges with spirit and spunk - "It is what it is" was not only one of her favorite catch phrases, it was the way she approached life.
Dixie was born in Eugene, Oregon in 1942 to John and Thelma Hill, the third of their four children. Born into a ranching family, she developed her love of livestock early on - her first love was her horses she raised on her family's ranch. She even took her horse with her to college at Oregon State!
Her family also showed sheep, and she met her future husband, Dr. Michael "Doc" Harms, at the Oregon State Fair. They were married on January 29, 1961. Dixie supported Mike's veterinary practice throughout the years as a vet tech and office manager, and retired from the City of Canby's Planning and Building Department.
Along with Mike, her children and grandchildren, she showed Hampshire sheep throughout Oregon and the Western U.S. Known for her love and devotion to her family, Dixie was often found around sheep show rings supporting her kids and grandkids, and was a "fair mom" to hundreds of 4-H and FFA members over the years.
Dixie is survived by her husband, Mike "Doc" Harms, daughter Kelly (John Niedermeyer) and son Scott (Katie), grandchildren Erin (Kelly and John), Luke and Ellie (Scott and Katie), and sister Karol, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Sharon, and brother Jack.
The memorial service is on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. at Cutsforth's Old Towne Hall in Canby. We will be having an open mic section of the service if you'd like to share a story or memory about Dixie. The family has requested donations be made to the Canby Rotary Foundation, if you are so inclined.