OBITUARY

Dixie Lee Farrens Winningham Waddell

1937 - 2020

Dixie Lee Waddell passed away peacefully at home, next to her best friend and husband Bill Waddell, in Wasilla, Alaska, on Sept. 18, 2020, at age 83. She was born on April 29, 1937, in Venice, Calif., to June Ann (Baker) and Richard Leroy Farrens. She grew up surrounded by family in Decatur, Neb., and graduated from Decatur High School when she was 16 years old. Dixie received her teaching degree at Wayne State Teacher's College in Wayne, Neb. She shared with pride that she taught many different grades in the one-room Farrens Country Schoolhouse before moving to Auburn, Ill., to continue teaching. At age 27, she moved to Alaska and taught at Eagle River Elementary School for 16 years until her retirement. She completed her Master of Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In addition to teaching, she managed Spring Creek Enterprises which put in many roads, septic systems and foundations in the Chugiak/Eagle River area and operated a gravel pit.

Retirement did not slow Dixie down, as she opened an Ace Hardware store, Peters Creek Supply, in Chugiak. Along with Bill, they changed it into the Rural Discount Center commonly known as RDC. They promoted RDC as a community focal point for 32 years to bring necessary food, clothing and furniture to the area without a general grocery store. Dixie was an instrumental member of the Chugiak/Eagle River community, working tirelessly to improve the recreational opportunities for all. She served on the Chugiak Dog Mushers' Boards of Directors for 20 years, the longest of any serving member. Her mission was to promote dog mushing with trial development, building a timing shed and clubhouse for races. She served on the Board of Alaska Sled Dog Racing Association and timed the Fur Rendezvous dog races in Anchorage. She served on the Chugiak/Eagle River Parks and Recreation Board, was a Director for Arctic Winter Games, a member of the Chugiak Historical Society and the Chugiak Area Business Association. She promoted and organized the Chugiak Fourth of July Parade, arranged for volunteers to water the local flower beds in the Chugiak area and most recently, supported the Chugiak Chinooks Baseball team. She impacted many young lives when she hired and trained them to be part of their many business and volunteer efforts.

Dixie leaves her loving husband, Bill; his two daughters, Blaine Waddell and Dawn (Bruce) Tecklenburg; and his grandchildren, Joey, Logan and Gabrielle. She also leaves her brother, Daryl (Cindy) Farrens and their children, Michael (Dao) Farrens and Emily (Micha) Sloth with their children, Soren and Eveline.

Many thanks to Ancora Home Health/Hospice Care and ACE Lending Closet for their care and support in Dixie's care. A community memorial event will be scheduled at a later time, when it is safer to gather together. Donations in Dixie's name can be made to the Chugiak Dog Mushers, P.O. Box 671523, Chugiak, AK 99567; or the ACE Lending Closet, 1688 Terrilou Court, Palmer, AK 99645.

    Information taken from May 25, 2003 Decatur Alumni Banquet Booklet.

Spouse:  William (Bill) Waddell

Children/Grandchildren:  Step-daughters, Dawn, 40; Blaine, 38; Grandson, Joey, 9; (another expected mid-May).

After graduation I attended Wayne State Teachers College where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Education.  Years later I received a Masters Degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.  I taught elementary school in Nebraska, Illinois, and Alaska for 25 years and retired in 1980.

 I married Dick Winningham in 1956.  We moved to Chugiak, Alaska in 1964.  My Father, Richard Farrens, followed later that year and brother, Daryl, moved to Alaska soon after graduation from High School.  Dick and I divorced in 1984 and I opened a hardware store and managed a gravel pit for a time.

 I married Bill Waddell in 1987 and gained two (grown) step-daughters, Dawn and Blaine.  We have managed to spoil our grandson, Joey, age 9, and by now will have another grandchild to spoil.

 Bill and I still live in Chugiak where we have a general merchandise store.  We both enjoy traveling in state and points beyond.  Interests include the local Historical Society and business associations.  The sport of dog mushing has been a part of my life since the 70's.  More recently this has been as a timer and an Official and led to involvement with team Alaska Arctic Winter Games.  We are fortunate to have a young couple who keeps and cares for 40 sled dogs in our kennels.