Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tribute to Gaylie Ora Dixon Durfee




"Our devoted wife and angel mother returned home to her Maker on June 14, 2012. Gaylie Ora Dixon Durfee began her journey on Earth on June 30, 1937 being born to Quayle & Ora Lucina Jeppson Dixon. She was excited to join them and her two older brothers and is survived by her sister Annetta Anderson (Richard) and sister-in-laws Beverly Dixon and Kaye Warnke (John), who she loves completely.

She married her eternal companion of 57 years, (Jack) John Clealund Durfee on August 19, 1955 in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. She lived a life of discipleship in loving and serving those around her. She endlessly fulfilled her many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all organizations on Ward and Stake levels. Cherished memories include serving as an Ordinance Worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple and serving a Member Locator Service Mission with her sweetheart.

She loves the Lord and loves her posterity. She is survived by spouse, (Jack) John Clealund Durfee, nine children and spouses, John Durfee (Lori), Deborah Lovelady (Alan), Patricia Miller (David), Kay Marie (Katie) Smith (Ben), Denise Buhler (Steve), Kathleen Blood (Todd). MaryLynn Quayson-Sackey (Alex), Jacquelyn Durfee, Sabrina Tettey (Godgreat), fifty-four grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren with a grandchild and great-grandchild on their way. She leaves them with a great legacy of faith, gratitude and compassion. She is loved and admired by those she tirelessly served.

Funeral service celebrating her life will be held on June 18, 2012 at the American Fork East Stake Center located at 825 East 500 North American Fork, UT at 11:00 A.M.. A viewing will be held at the church from 10:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. prior to the services and on June 17, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Warenski Funeral Home located at 1776 North 900 East American Fork, UT. Interment will be held at the American Fork Cemetery.

A special thank you to all the medical staff, friends and neighbors that served our family this past year. We appreciate all your efforts in our behalf. We love you Mom."


My Grandma Durfee exemplifed Charity in all that she said and did.  She was such a great role model in my life.  She loved Grandpa with all of her heart, and showed that love through her actions.  I have always loved the story of how they met:
"One day, Jack and Gaylie ended up being in the ward road show together where they had leading roles.  Gaylie had two suiters.  She liked Jack and knew he knew how to do the Jitterbug and the other did not.  Gaylie mentioned she would love to learn how to do the dance.  Jack didn't know Gaylie had just won a Jitterbug competition and was willing to teach her how to dance.  The dancing led to Jack taking Gaylie home... to dropping her off last... to proposing on Valentine's Day!  Jack's dad said it was Gaylie or Sandy (Grandpa's dog).  There was no question for Jack, Gaylie had his heart."  Doesn't that just make you melt? :)  I love it!!
Altough it has been tough since she has been gone, there are many times that I feel her near.  I know that she is working so hard, now that she isn't in pain.  She wasn't one to sit still!
I miss you Grandma, but I know that Families are Forever!  We can't wait to see you again one day!!




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