Carlyle “Ky” C. Dixon, 80, of Sheridan WY, entered God’s Kingdom on December 16, 2023.
She was born in Sheridan on June 1st, 1943, to Byron T. and Marjorie Penson Collins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law, Karen R. Dixon, and great-nephew Brett S. Collins.
Ky, the most devoted and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas P. Dixon, sons Thomas B. Dixon (Kristi), Bradford C. Dixon, and Paul V. Dixon (LaNora), her brother, Bruce E. Collins, grandchildren Thomas Z. Dixon, Kevin C. Dixon, Kelsie K. Dixon, Tori S. Dixon, Marshall J. Dixon, Ryanne M. Dixon, first great-grandchild due in May, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was born and raised on her family’s ranch on Piney Creek. She attended Ucross Grade School and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1961. She formed lifetime friendships during her school years. After high school, she attended the University of Wyoming where she met Thomas P. Dixon. They were married on June 16, 1962. They moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where their first son, Thomas B. Dixon, was born.
Tom’s work would then take them to Omaha, Nebraska, where they welcomed a second son, Bradford C. Dixon. In 1967, they could return to Piney Creek to join her family in operating Collins Ranch. Shortly thereafter, their third son, Paul V Dixon was born. She cherished the blessing of raising her family on the same special hills and along the creek banks where she was raised and shared boundless love and joy.
She began her public service commitment in the 1970s as an aide at Woodland Park School and her work at the KWYO radio station. In 1978, she joined a network of services to improve the quality of life for seniors as the Director of the Senior Citizens Coordinating Council. She devoted the next 22 years to building a community of senior services that has become a model for the state and nation. After passing the torch of leadership to capable hands, she successfully served as Sheridan County Commissioner from 2003-2007. Throughout her life, she served on many boards, foundations, and community projects including the Northern Wyoming Mental Health Board, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board, Wyoming Senior Services Board, Watt Foundation, Whitney Foundation, Heritage Towers Board, and founded the Center for a Vital Community. She was honored with a Keystone Award for years of community commitment. Most importantly, she served all as a beautiful human.
Her life experiences on the family ranch fostered her lifelong commitment to, and love for family and community, cultivating curiosity, love for knowledge, and adventure. She said, “Sometimes I dream I’m back on Piney…the descent to the rock-cling to a willow watch for water snakes, garter snakes, and nettles- and you’re there, and it’s grand! You can lay on your belly and gaze into the clear water or reach over and dangle your hands in…You can choose leaves or blades of grass to throw in and race each other. You can lay on your back and listen-birds, to crickets, grasshoppers, water- lapping and swooping and gurgling…and the fresh wet scent- minty, muddy, with a touch of wet rock…. There were butterflies and big dragonflies so beautiful that even a chicken kid who made the most of “bug-fear”, was captivated…For a ranch child, the sense of place is a given- knowing who you are, where you belong, and where you’ll always be safe and free”.
Memorial services will be held at the First Christian Church in Sheridan on January 8th at 2 pm followed immediately with a reception celebration at The HUB in Sheridan.
In place of flowers, please make any donations to the Senior Center, the HUB, 211 Smith Street, Sheridan, WY, 82801.
Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com.
Coordination of arrangements is being done through the Sheridan Funeral Home.
SheridanMedia.com " Dec. 19, 2023