Dixie Pope Rich

After 88 years of unconditional love and her desire to make life’s path easier for others to travel, Dixie Pope Rich passed away on August 16, 2018. She suffered many health issues but always stayed busy, and, with a positive attitude, accomplished many of her life goals.

She was born June 15, 1930 in her grandparents' home on a hill by the lake in Garden City, Utah, to Elden and Nathel Hodges Pope. She used the words "peaceful, happy, and idyllic" when describing her years growing up in Garden City. Although in the midst of the Depression, she shared many good memories spent with friends and extended family.

She enjoyed her early summers spent in a sheep camp with her father who worked as a sheepherder in the hills around the valley.

Dixie enjoyed spending time at the lake, summer and winter. Dances around the lake were plentiful and popular during her youth. She met her husband William J. Rich during one of these dances. They were married on May 21, 1947 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They moved to Paris and lived there for the remainder of her life. Her first wedding anniversary was also the day that she graduated from Fielding High School in Paris, Idaho.

From her parents, Dixie acquired an intense love of beautifying her yard. She loved to prune, trim and plant. Her yard was a showpiece with carefully planted trees and shrubs, a garden, and beautiful flowers. She practiced the details of fine horticulture her entire life.

She held and enjoyed numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and adapted well to each assignment.

Dinner with family was always a special time. She loved to cook and feed her family around a beautifully set dinner table. Many Sunday afternoons were spent teaching her grandchildren the culinary arts.

First and foremost, she was committed and loyal to her family. She loved planning for birthdays and holidays. She was a tireless caregiver and spent much of her life meeting the critical needs of her family.

Most noticeable among her accomplishments was her job as the Paris City Clerk/Librarian. She loved serving in this capacity for 43 years and retired at age 80.

Dixie is survived by her children Bradley (Erika) and Kirk (Debra), and grandchildren Chad (Jennifer), Elliot (Nichole), Quincy (Kelli), Dillon, and Justin, ten great grandchildren, and two great-great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her daughter, Jill (and her husband Hal Burgoyne), her only sibling, Robert Pope, as well as her parents.

The family offers sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Clay Campbell and the many nurses and staff at Bear Lake Memorial as they so tenderly and expertly cared for her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Paris Stake Center with a viewing from noon to 1:45. Interment will be in the Paris City Cemetery.

Viewing: Friday August 24, 2018 12:00 PM
Funeral: Friday August 24, 2018 2:00 PM

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