Dixie Lee Smith (1953-2024)

Dixie Lee Smith, 71, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Mat-Su Regional Medical

Center in Palmer, Alaska following a long, hard-fought battle with renal failure.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Duane Smith and daughter Dana

Smith. She leaves behind her son Gregory Smith and daughter Sondra Smith, sisters Diana

Olson, Gloria Hodsdon, JoAnn Slaughter and Patsy Kaspar, along with a large, extended family

and many friends.

Dixie was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and moved to Alaska with her parents, Herman and

June (Spangler) Gaedtke, in October 1962. She was raised in Palmer, Alaska, where she would

build a life rooted in love, family, and hard work.

In 1970, Dixie married her lifelong partner, Duane Smith. The following year, they moved to

Gakona, Alaska, where they embraced the community and adventure of Alaskan life. Dixie

worked as a cook and housekeeper at several local lodges and was known for her warmth and

delicious meals. In 1973, she took on a new role with a United States Mail contract, driving bulk

mail between Glennallen and Gakona. For 32 years, she carried the mail with dedication, while

she continued cooking summers in the lodge until the mid-90’s.

Dixie’s love for cooking made her renowned in the community, especially during the holiday

season. Each Christmas, she would bake dozens of cookies and candies, creating platters of

treats for friends, family, and colleagues. Her kindness and generosity warmed many hearts, as

did her talent in the kitchen.

Dixie was also known for her beautiful yard, which was a source of pride and admiration. She

poured her heart into cultivating a vibrant, lush landscape that reflected her hard work and

creative spirit. Above all, she cherished her family. She was a devoted wife and mother, fiercely

protective and always proud of her children. With her ”heart of gold,” Dixie became a cherished

friend and neighbor, treating friends as family.

In 2005, Dixie retired and returned to Palmer and the family home where she was raised. She

continued to find joy in gardening, working to keep the home and yard beautiful while staying

close to her beloved family.

At her request, there will be no formal services. Dixie will be cremated and her ashes spread

over Gakona, the small town she considered home. A celebration of life for friends and family

will be held in the summer of 2025.