Dixie Lee Simpson

Dixie Lee Simpson entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 24, at the Hemingford Care Center.

She was born January 3, 1938, at the Chadron, Nebraska, Hospital to Elizabeth (Bette) Miller-Mackey and Fred Mackey. She proudly announced to everyone she met that she was the first baby born in the new year! She attended Alliance High School through her junior year, where she enjoyed being a marching band drum majorette. Due to a family relocation, she completed her senior year of high school in Jackson, Minnesota, graduating with honors in May 1956.

On July 8, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne A. Simpson, at the United Methodist Church in Alliance. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2025. Dixie loved being a wife, mother and homemaker - she was a wonderful cook and loved preparing large holiday meals and hosting her family. She spent hours decorating her kitchen window throughout the year for every holiday, with extra attention given to her favorite holiday, Christmas. She worked several part-time jobs while her

children were small so she could be present for their school activities. In the early 1970s, she served as the head cook at Alliance High School, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. In 1981, fulfilling a lifelong dream, she enrolled in the WNCC College of Nursing and became a licensed practical nurse. After graduation, she worked for the Highland Park Care Center until her retirement.

In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, and camping and boating with her family. She was an accomplished gardener and loved spending time outdoors in her spacious yard, relaxing on her patio, and feeding the birds and squirrels. While she grew a variety of plants and flowers, her roses were among her favorites. For years, she proudly displayed the American flag in her front yard, and she kept a Herbie Husker in her window - standing upright to celebrate a win and humorously upside down after a loss. She was especially fond of cats and, through the years, rescued and adopted several strays. She was a dedicated member of her church, helping with rummage sales and many church dinners throughout her life. She was a member of the Aloyah Chapter #185, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron twice, as well as the Eagles Auxiliary and the Nebraska Association of Nurses.

She is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Wayne; her children, Tacy (Ron) Liptack of Alliance, NE; Dirk (Cathy) Simpson of Paonia, CO; and Voni Anderson of Rapid City, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kellen McGinnis of Breckenridge, CO; Patrick (Brittany) Simpson of Littleton, CO, and great-granddaughters Sloan and Sawyer Simpson; Michael Simpson and Matthew Simpson of Paonia, CO; Saige Anderson of Rapid City, SD; Taylor (Billy) Rempelos of Colorado Springs, CO; and Colby Simpson of Denver, CO; her brother, Fred Mackey Jr. of McCook Nebraska; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband's parents, Charles (Pat) and Violet (Fern) Simpson; and a grandson, Seth Nunn.

Donations in her memory may be made to the United Methodist Church or Alley Cat Campus. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.