Della Mary Dixon, 91, of North Platte passed away March 7, 2023 at Linden Court in North Platte.

She was born Nov. 17, 1931 to Floyd and Agnes (Johnson) Shirley in Wellfleet.

Della graduated from McCook High School and was a soda jerk at the Fremont Dairy in North Platte. She married Robert Kelley on Nov. 6, 1950. To this union two children, Larry and Lee Ann, were born. Robert preceded Della in death.

Then she married Stanley Gilmore on May 3, 1956. To this union five children, Mary, Sam, Andy, Mike and Pat, were born. He also preceded Della in death.

On Feb. 28, 1980, Della married Wes Dixon and he brought his two children Laura and Tim, into the family.

Della worked at Whitaker’s, Holiday Inn, and the Social Security Office. Della enjoyed quilting and belonged to several quilt guilds. She loved fishing and camping and belonged to the German American Club. Della enjoyed dancing, especially polkas and waltzes.

She always looked forward to their big family reunions and the family Christmas gatherings were epic. Della was at home at Linden Court and the Cottages. Her care from the staff at the Linden’s was appreciated by the family.

Della is survived by eight children, Larry (Georgia) Kelly, McCook, LeeAnn Paxton, North Platte, Mary Gilmore, North Platte, Andy Gilmore, Lincoln, Mike Gilmore, North Platte, Pat Gilmore, North Platte, Tim Dixon, Maywood, and Laura Haney, Denver, Colorado; 23 grandchildren, Charlie, Shalee, Sherri, Jimmie, Chandler, Jason, Matt, Ashley, Kerec, Amber, Raelynn, Tony, Melissa, Shannon, Niki, Casey, Amanda, Nate, Kyle, Kevin, Amy, Jamie and Tammy; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister Berdine Brown, Bishop, California; brother Chuck (Judy) Shirley, Downey, California; along with numerous other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Agnes Shirley; husbands; son, Samuel Gilmore; granddaughter, Bridget; sister, Beverly Shirley.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., March 14, 2023 at St. William Catholic Church in Wellfleet with Rev. Tom Walsh as celebrant. Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m., prior to Mass. Inurnment will follow at the Wellfleet Cemetery. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Wellfleet Fire Department and Community Center. Online condolences and live stream of the service can be found at adamsswanson.com.

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