Dixie Jean Perkes Hillyard

Dixie Jean Perkes Hillyard passed away unexpectedly February 15, 2010.
Dixie was born on September 30, 1928 in Logan, Utah to Clinton and Florence Perkes. She was the eldest of five children and the only daughter. She was raised in Hyde Park and graduated from North Cache High School. On January 22, 1947 she married Burnal Hillyard in the Logan Temple. After marriage, they lived in Smithfield until her passing. Dixie has three sons, Monte Dallene, Denver, CO; Gary Debbie, North Logan, UT; and Brad Lynda, North Logan, UT.
Dixie was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Over the years she served in many capacities including, Ward Relief Society President and in Stake Relief Society Leadership and Stake and Ward MIA. Dixie worked in various jobs throughout her life. In her early years of marriage, she worked for Del Monte Corporation in Smithfield managing the cafeteria with her mother-in law, Rachel. She also worked in the bakery at Jack and Leigh's grocery store in Smithfield and later in life worked for International Sports Specialists where she had a chance to work with her son and grandchildren. She had a great love for flowers, including her begonias, and had a talent for arranging them. She enjoyed her work at Jeri's, Shonnee's and Plant Peddler flower shops. The family also enjoyed the beautiful arrangements she would create for them.
Dixie was a devoted companion to her husband and supported him in his dairy operation. They were able to travel together on the USU dairy tours to various destinations, which she enjoyed very much. She was involved with the Dairy Wives and assisted with the Dairy Princess Pageants in the valley. During her association with that group she won the honor of "Queen of the Cooks" twice.
Dixie enjoyed the friends she had in the Smithfield Community Club and was an active participant until her death. She also had many other dear friends. She loved camping, especially in their trailer, and loved the outdoors.
She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and loved any occasion that would bring all the family together. She enjoyed cooking for the family and everyone will remember her delicious rolls.
Dixie is survived by her loving husband, three sons and daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by all four of her brothers, Robert Perkes, Rexburg, ID; Larry Diane Perkes, Hyde Park, UT; Dennis Perkes, Ogden, UT; Don Judith Perkes, Roy, UT and a brother-in-law, Marvin Geri Traveller, Richmond, UT. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters-in-law and one great-grandson. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 19, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the Smithfield 8th Ward Chapel, 155 West 400 North, Smithfield. Friends and family may call on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 85 South Main, Smithfield and on Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to service. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .