Dixie was the first of six children born to Howard T. Halen and Irma J. Wyman in Kittery, Maine. Growing up in a military family, she lived in many places across the United States, making and maintaining friends along the way. Her formative years were spent mostly in California. The family moved to New York State in 1957. After graduating from Willsboro Central School, she returned to California. She married Reldon N. Gifford, Oct. 31, 1958. She always laughed about her "Halloween Wedding." She enjoyed brief escapes to visit cousins, Harry and Zoe Wyman, in the Napa Valley. Dixie was an avid reader and surrounded herself with a variety of books. She was quick to laugh and found the best in all situations. She was a caring and supportive daughter, sister, wife and mother.

Dixie passed away July 10, 2019, in Glasgow, Ky., her home since retirement.

She leaves behind four children: Candace Forsythe, Kentucky, Kathleen Warren (Dean), California, William Gifford (Janet), Indiana, Lee, California, eleven grandchildren: Joe, Casey, Cara, Andrew, Holly, James, Thomas, Jesse, Amy, Halen and Mac, four great-grandchildren: Brianna, Amelia, Rocky and Logan.

She is also survived by her siblings: Tom Halen (MaryAnn), Vicki Dickerson (Randy), Becky Lessack, Jodi Osborne (Mike) and Chet Halen.

She is predeceased by her parents and husband.

Even though Dixie lived in many places, her heart was always in Kittery. Her wish was to have her ashes buried there with her husband.

Dixie will be greatly missed, but her memory lives on.