Dixie Lee Jones Taylor, 80

With love and heavy hearts, the family of Dixie Lee Jones Taylor announces her peaceful passing July 22, 2025, at the age of 80.

Dixie was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Born to Gumbo and Alice Smith on Jan. 4, 1945, she dedicated over 40 years of her life as a drug and alcohol counselor. She guided countless individuals through their darkest moments and celebrated their victories. Her impact on the recovery community — and their families — was deep, lasting and life-changing. 

Dixie was known for her fierce wisdom, quick wit, wild spirit and boundless compassion. Whether leading a group, sharing her story or simply offering a safe place to land, Dixie had a way of making people feel seen, heard and deeply loved. She was unapologetically herself and fiercely loyal to those she loved.

She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Foeller (husband Joseph Foeller) and Deana Netherton (significant other Derik Allen); beloved grandsons Cameron Kinney and Nicholas Foeller; sister-in-law Marlyce Smith; nephews Dan Hanson, Jeremy Lannholm and Nicholas Connell; great-niece Skyler Hanson; and her best friend, Mimi Horine.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Sandee Lekse, Jim Smith and Larry Smith.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Corbin Park, 129 S. Corbin Road, Post Falls, Idaho. Guests are invited to bring a comfortable chair and come ready to honor her memory in a way she would have loved — surrounded by nature, community and heartfelt connections. 

In lieu of flowers, the family will honor Dixie’s wish for a Viking-style farewell through a floral tribute. Contributions may be made via Venmo to her daughters. 

Dixie’s legacy of love, strength and transformation lives on in the hearts of all she touched. “One day at a time,” she made the world a better place.

Please visit Dixie’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.