Dixie Williams Bush, 58, passed away April 26, 2002 at home surrounded by loved ones following a long illness. She was born November 24, 1943 in Malad, ID to Samuel Verlin and Mary Elizabeth Smith Williams. She was raised and educated in Malad.

Dixie married Jerry D. Bush September 14, 1962 in the Logan LDS Temple. They began their married life on the family ranch in Arbon Valley, living there during the summer months and moving to Malad in the winter.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many church positions throughout her life including a Primary teacher since she was the age of 14. She was Primary president twice and loved working with children. Other church positions included pianist for Primary, Relief Society, sacrament meeting and also for opening exercises for the priesthood brethren. She was ward Relief Society president and Stake Missionary for the Holbrook area. She was involved with the Cub Scout program for ten years, serving as pack chairman and den leader.

Dixie was chairman for the Pennies by the Inch drive and the March of Dimes and served as district chairman for the American Cancer Society for a number of years.

She belonged to the local Trails End Cowbelles for many years, serving in several positions, including that of president.

Her favorite thing to do was taking photos of family events, vacations and activities in the organizations she was involved in. She did it for the fun and enjoyment. She was the instigator of the “Bush Archives” located in her home, containing volumes and volumes of photo albums.

Dixie’s favorite holiday was April Fool’s Day. Many will attest to the fact that she loved to pull pranks on family and friends.

She loved nature, all animals (especially the stray), homeless ones and the outdoors.

She loved people and had an “open door policy”. If you stopped in at meal time, she always put another plate on the table. Visitors were always welcome. She was always concerned about others and their welfare, even when her health was declining.

At the time of her death, she was the Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary. State of Idaho in 2001-02. She had been a member of the auxiliary for ten years, also serving as vice president and historian for the State Auxiliary. She was also currently serving as historian for the Malad unit. She personally hand created approximately ten scrapbooks for the local unit.

She enjoyed the friendships and association f the members in the auxiliary and chose for her theme as state president, “Dixie, Where The Heart Is.”

Dixie was involved in the Oneida County Farm Bureau for several years. She was named Farm Wife in 1987, then serviced as co-chair of the county women’s committee for four years.

She helped with fundraisers for the Idaho Grain Producers, donating several quilts. She was involved with the Idaho Assoc. of Counties with their scholarship program, donating a quilt each year. Because of her generous donations, the scholarship in southeastern Idaho will now be named the “Dixie Bush Scholarship Fund”, in her honor.

She was friend to all and was loved and appreciated throughout the state by the members of these organizations.

Dixie is survived by her husband; children, Troy Jerry Bush and Susie (Tim) Gauthier of Malad; grandchildren, Make and Brooke Wuthrich, Ty Owings and Kyra Bush; one sister, Elda Mae (Ron) Price, Malad; three brothers, Wayne (Kathleen) Williams, Malad; Don (Marh Alice) Williams, Smithfield, UT; Tom (JoAnne) Williams, Tualatin, OR and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Burt Williams and Verlin Williams.

Funeral Services
April 30, 2002 – St. John LDS Ward Chapel
Bishop Tim Edwards officiating

Family Prayer – Elda Mae Price, sister
Prelude & Postlude – Jaon Williams
Invocation – Elden Nielsen
Life Sketch – Troy Bush, son and Susie Gauthier, daughter
Vocal – Jill Blaisdell, Sue Stevens, Cinniman Schwartz, acc. by Myra Jean John
Speaker – Jane Ann Ward
Vocal – Paula Morby, acc. by Joan Williams
Speaker – Tim Gauthier, son in law
Remarks – Cleve Rice, Idaho State American Legion Commander
Remarks – Bishop Tim Edwards
Vocal – Foster & Kathy Ipsen, acc. by Myra Jean John
Benediction – Don Williams, brother

Concluding Service – Malad City Cemetery
Dedicatory Prayer – Bishop Gene Edwards

Casket Bearers
Verlin Williams
Lehn Brangham
Ken Moss
Denver Sweeten
Seth Sweeten
David Williams
Mike Williams
Kim Evans
Chad Cowlishaw

Honorary Bearers
Local and State American Legion Friends

Compassionate service by the St. John 1st Ward Relief Society sisters