Shirley Irene Dixon

Shirley Irene Merrell Dixon, loving wife, mother and friend, passed away at her home on September 24, 2021, one week before her 90th birthday, after a long illness. Shirley was a longtime resident of Draper, Utah, having moved there in the early 1950's with her lifetime partner and husband Loran Dixon. Even though they moved just outside Draper (Bluffdale in the early 70's), she always considered herself a Draperite. Shirley was born September 30, 1931 in Murray, Utah to Charles William Merrell Jr and Irene Adell Webb Merrell.

Shirley met Loran on a double date. That night Loran spent more time dancing with Shirley than his own date. She was married to Loran Davis Dixon on April 15, 1950. Recently they celebrated 71 years of marriage. Shirley thought she married a city boy, and ended up more than 30 years on a mink ranch as Loran's "number one ranch hand." In the 90's she worked as an EMT for Kennecott Copper. She taught her kids by example and the value of a job well done.

Shirley was a vivacious and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She and Loran had five children: DeAnn, Randal, Dane, Reid, and Bryce. They have 15 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

She was an avid proponent of exercise and participated in aerobics for many years with her dear friends from Draper. Later in life she made dozens of quilts for friends and family with her dear friend and sister Eutona Dixon. For many years Shirley and Loran have spent a good portion of their time in St. George, Utah. They both love the spectacular landscapes as well as the many friends they acquired over the years.

Shirley was always a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. One of her favorites was working as an LDS counselor in the Relief Society at the Utah State Prison. In Shirley's own words, "I love the supposedly 'unlovable' people with a love that I have never experienced before. It's not like my love for my family - it's just different."

Shirley is survived by her husband, Loran Davis DIxon, her children, Randal Merrell Dixon, DeAnn (Glen) Kinney, Dane Loran (Nadine) Dixon, (Michelle Mitton), and Bryce Charles (Candace) Dixon, and her sister Hattie Lou Heavner. She is preceded in death by her son, Reid Wesley Dixon, her brother Harvey Webb Merrell, and grandson, Dallin Ilia Dixon.

Family and friends may call at the viewing on September 28th at the Anderson & Goff Mortuary (11859 S 700 E, Draper, UT) from 6 pm to 8 pm, and before the funeral service at the church from 11:00 to noon. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 29th at the Mountain Point 4th Ward building (498 E Hollow Creek Rd, Draper, UT) at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at the Crescent Cemetery after the service.

The services will be live-streamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook page starting at 12:00 noon.