Dixie Alder Doney

Dixie Alder Doney, born January 14, 1934, quietly passed away February 1, 2026, two weeks after her 92nd birthday. Her children, grandchildren, and spouse were with her.

Dixie’s early years were spent with her parents Estella and Fred Alder in Providence, Utah. Being a middle child of ten, Dixie spent her days working beside her mother helping take care of household chores and caring for her younger siblings. She enjoyed at an early age to love horse riding and especially with her adored father, Fred.

In her adolescent years Dixie spent her summers on her family dry farm ranch in Pocatello, Idaho cooking and serving field workers. Dixie learned at an early age the value of hard work, which would serve her throughout her lifetime.

As a young adult Dixie was hired at First National Bank and loved her work there. During this period of her life, she went on a date with a young man who asked his friend Devon Doney to double with them. Dixie caught the eye of Devon and a few weeks later, Devon asked her out. The rest is history. They married in the Logan Temple on April 17, 1958.

The newlywed couple made their home in Logan, Utah where Devon attended Utah State University. Dixie continued working at the bank to support Devon through school. While living in Logan, Dixie and Devon added a son, Bryan, to their family. Following Devon’s graduation from Utah State University, the young family of three moved their family to Ithaca, New York where Devon attended Cornell University to further his education. While at Cornell, they added two more children, Merlyn and Rosann to their growing family. Dixie spent her days raising small children, babysitting for others, and sewing. Being a talented and skilled seamstress, Dixie sewed to make ends meet. She sewed anything from sequined silk gowns to fur lined coats. There was nothing Dixie could not sew. At the time of Devon’s graduation, Dixie proudly declared they left with their family of five debt free and had created lifelong friendships while in Ithaca, New York.

Dixie’s crown jewel was motherhood. She devoted her time, love, and energy to her children. Shortly after leaving New York, two more daughters were added to their family, Michelle and Shawna. With their family complete they were excited to find employment back where it all began, Cache Valley, Utah. They built a home in Nibley where they raised their five children. Dixie found great joy in surrounding herself with family. She spent her days creating a home of love and peace for her children who always felt their mother’s unconditional love. Her children looked forward to their one-on-one outings with her to Pete’s Spudnuts for the best greasy fries and root beer freezes. There wasn’t a concert, performance, or event that Dixie missed of her five children. She instilled integrity, dedication, and a job well done with all her five children.

Dixie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings over the years such as Relief Society President, Primary President, and Homemaking Leader.

Dixie’s other crown jewel was her role as Grandmother. There was nothing Dixie would not do for her beloved grandchildren. She created a child haven where the world was shut out and peace, love, and a grandmother’s magic happened at her home. She provided endless hours of crafts, games, treats, bubble baths, and cousin sleepovers. She truly served her grandchildren with all her heart and more. Her grandchildren believed that the sun rose and set in their grandmother.

Dixie was the sun and the moon her family evolved around. She led her life with love, dedication, and service to family and loved ones. She left this world doing just that.

Dixie is survived by her spouse of 67 years, Devon; her children Bryan Doney and spouse Tammy, Merlyn Doney, Rosann Miller and spouse Richard, Michelle Miller, Shawna Brown and spouse Brandon; grandchildren Tisha, Billy Jo, Patrick, Jessica, Audrey, Adam, Amanda, Abby, Anna, and Sam.

A private service will be held for close family and friends.