Dixie Rogerson

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Dixie Rogerson was born in Centralia, Wash., Dec. 26, 1930, to Agnes and Howard Thornsbury, and celebrated 90 wonderful years of life. She attended Centralia High School and was always proud to say that she was a “Song Duchess” (aka “Cheerleader”).
Soon after she graduated, she married her loving and supportive husband, James “Jim” Rogerson, and together they made a home on a bucolic wooded hilltop in Centralia, where Dixie would remain until moving to a senior living facility. Together, they raised four children. Dixie was born with an incredible and awe-inspiring gift of artistic talent. While living on her beautiful homesite, Jim built her a spacious studio and she was able to foster her passion and gift of creating artwork. Dixie sold her first oil painting at age 16 for $2, but by mid-life, due to her notoriety and skill, her original oils commanded thousands of dollars. She was multi-talented and also enjoyed clay sculpture, copper enameling, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, and nearly any other media. Her artwork was sold in many galleries, gift and frame shops throughout the west.
Dixie was featured in places such as the prestigious Frye Museum and Louise Matzke Gallery in Seattle, as well as the Tacoma Art Museum. Her story and talent graced many magazines and newspapers and she was even invited to have a spot in an episode of Portland’s “AM Northwest” television show. Some wine bottles will even display Dixie’s artwork, as vintners have requested her paintings for their wine labels.
After losing her husband, Jim, in 1984, Dixie married Gordon Bill who she shared her life with until his passing in 2018. During her career, Dixie created her business, “Rogerson Lithographs” through which she was able to sell her artwork including mouse pads, lithographs, tiles, printed sweatshirts, bags and aprons, note cards, lapel pins, quilt blocks, and more. Locally, Dixie participated in Art Trails for many years and also had an annual “Open Studio” show at her home. She taught art classes and generously donated her artwork to many local fundraisers. Dixie will not just be remembered by her family for her amazing artistic gift, but also for her love and devotion.
Dixie was preceded in death by her husbands, James Rogerson and Gordon Bill; son, Mark Rogerson; her sister, Deloris Malnerich; and her brother, Richards Dodds.
She is survived by children, Tim (Sally) Rogerson, Joan (Darryl) Rogerson, and Sandy (Jerry) Nelson. She will be greatly missed by her family, including 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and Percy Anderson, formerly married to late son, Mark.