Dixie Jo Sensenbach

1943 - 2025

Dixie Jo was born on May 17, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Gordon R. Smith and Ethel Elber Smith. As the oldest of six children, she entered the world while her father was serving in the military. During those early years, Dixie and her mother lived in Menan, Idaho, with her grandparents, Lester and Grace Barrett, until Gordon returned from the war. The family then settled in Rexburg, where Dixie grew up and attended school.

Throughout the years, five younger brothers and sisters joined the family - Robert, LuJean, Jim, Marlene, and Gaylene. As the eldest, she became a steady helper to her mother and a loving, guiding presence to her brothers and sisters.

In 1960, Dixie married Larry E. Simmons, and together they raised their three children-Bradley, Kristine, and Darryl-in Rigby, Idaho. As a family, they enjoyed camping, traveling, boating, and the everyday joys of raising their children. Dixie and Larry divorced in 1980.

In 1980, Dixie began her long and meaningful career at the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership in Idaho Falls. Throughout her years at EICAP, she served in many roles, ultimately retiring as the Director of Housing. One of her greatest professional accomplishments was organizing and directing the Mutual Self Help Housing Program, through which more than 150 families achieved their dream of home ownership-an impact she remained deeply proud of.

In 1985, Dixie married Bruce E. Campbell in Elko, Nevada. They welcomed one daughter, Lexie, and together, built both a family and a business. The years they spent together were filled with adventure, laughter, and a genuine love for one another and their family life. When Bruce passed away in 1998, Dixie and Lexie drew even closer, sharing many cherished memories in the years that followed.

In 2009, Dixie and Bill Sensenbach were married in Jackpot, Nevada, surrounded by family. With this union, Dixie was blessed with adding Bill's four kids, Todd (Lori), Travis (LeighAnn), Ty (Zuhar), and Tara (Jim) to her life, along with 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Together, Dixie and Bill made their home first in Blackfoot, and later in Idaho Falls, spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. They loved golfing, swimming, and enjoying warm-weather days with friends, far from the snowy Idaho winters.

Dixie passed peacefully into the Lord's arms on December 7, 2025, after spending the day surrounded by her loving family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Ethel Smith, and by her late husband, Bruce E. Campbell.

She is survived by her children, Bradley (Lynelle) Simmons, Kristine (Kenneth) Barnes, Darryl (Christine) Simmons, and Lexie (Ryan) Perkins; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings; and her extended Sensenbach family.

Dixie will be remembered for her warmth, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the love she gave.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful people who came into our parents' lives this past year through Synergy, Aspen Home Health & Hospice, and Nuclear Care Partners. Britney and Shianne, you provided such great care and comfort to our mother. We are so grateful. Tiffany, Holly, and Michelle, we deeply appreciate the care and support you provided to our parents. Thank you to the many others who provided our mother with kind, compassionate, and steadfast care. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Mom truly appreciated each of you and cared for you deeply.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to services.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.