Dixie Joy Gittins Shepherd

Dixie Joy Gittins Shepherd passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Dixie was born July 7th, 1937 in Trenton, Utah, a daughter of Howard Craghead Gittins and Sarah Ann Haslam. She was raised in Layton, Utah, graduated from Davis High School, and went on to study accounting at BYU.

She married Ronald Lee Shepherd on September 5th, 1958 in the Salt Lake City LDS temple. They were married over 60 beautiful years together.

Dixie was an athlete from the beginning Her love for sports drew her to Ron, and their passion for baseball, skiing, tennis, and golf kept them busy, while their adventurous spirit for travel kept them going. Their favorite spot, which they shared with their daughters and friends, was boating on Lake Powell. They spent many years making endless memories at that lake and practically raised their daughters there. Years later, they chose Newport Beach, California to continue their adventure of boating and exploring.

Dixie was a passionate reader, seamstress, needlepoint master of Christmas stockings (cherished by her family), crochet enthusiast, and amazing cook. Her most popular dish was the cherished ‘once-a-year rolls’ that eventually became a staple for every holiday. She and Ron loved to entertain and spent quality time with their friends on the tennis courts, on the golf course, at the lake, and traveling the world together. Dixie also loved a good card game and will be dearly missed by her friends at Willowcreek Country Club, her card group, and of course, her book club.

Dixie lived a rich life full of adventure, yet the thing she'll be remembered for most is her character. Dixie was always thinking of others, loving, highly independent, thoughtful, quietly intentional, witty, intelligent, open-minded, self-assured, direct, and honest. In fact, you always knew where you stood with her! Dixie had a seemingly endless reserve of love to give, and she could often be found frequenting plays, graduations, and baseball games of her grandchildren. She had a warm, velvety laugh that you could never forget, and she was quick to share it. It paired perfectly with her beaming smile that lit up every room. Dixie knew exactly what she wanted out of life, one of the most precious traits she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Dixie is survived by her children, Leslie Robles and Kelly Wallace; her grandchildren, Tanner Owens (Dayna), Abbie Robles (Chase), Jonah Robles (Emma), and Addison Wallace; her great-grandchildren, Luna and Perry Owens; and her brother, Gary Gittins (Karen).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Howard Gittins Jr.; her sisters, Leola Dallin, Donna Fife, and Anne Faye Christensen; her husband, Ron Shepherd; and her son-in-law, Jayson Robles.

There will be a Celebration of Life August 28th, 2026 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Willowcreek Country Club, Sandy, Utah, for all who wish to celebrate Dixie alongside her family.