Dixie Lee (Richards) Fulgham

Dixie Lee (Richards) Fulgham

Dixie Lee (Richards) Fulgham passed away on Jan. 19, 2019, after an extended illness resulting from dementia and Parkinson disease.

Dixie was born in Bonners Ferry on May 16, 1934, to Guy and Bernadine Richards. Dixie attended Boundary County schools, including a one-room school at Lynnburg near Porthill where her younger sisters remembered if the teacher would make Dixie cry they all would cry. Dixie worked at local restaurants throughout her early years where she met her future husband, Elbert Fulgham. Dixie and Elbert were married on Oct. 15, 1954 in Bonners Ferry.

Soon after their marriage, Elbert joined the U.S. Border Patrol. Dixie followed Elbert’s career as an agent and criminal investigator, living at a number of locations throughout the southwestern United States and Washington state. Dixie never complained about their many moves — with the exception of a time in Ajo, Ariz., during the summer when she drew her bath water using only the cold water spigot and had to let the water cool before she could bathe.

Dixie and Elbert retired from the Immigration Service in 1978. After retirement Dixie and Elbert moved to Bonners Ferry, where they lived on the Moyie River near Good Grief for a number of years, several miles north of Bonners Ferry, and finally settling near family in Bonners Ferry near the old north side school.

Dixie and Elbert enjoyed a full and happy retirement. They were busy throughout their retirement years with travel to numerous locations, fishing, hunting, gardening, attending auctions, square dances throughout the area and hosting and attending many family events.

Dixie was preceded in death by Elbert, her husband of 63 years; her parents; two brothers, Melvin and Mike; and one sister Charolett Pollard. Dixie is survived by several sisters and brothers: Maxine (Bob) Pierce, Idaho; Viola (Marvin) Bonners Ferry; Lavonne (Mike) Essex, Mont.; Janice (Mike) Sandpoint, Idaho; Sandra, Soldatna, Alaska; Buster (Jeannie) Bonners Ferry; Debbie (Denny), Bonners Ferry; Max, Bonners Ferry; Renae, Bonners Ferry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Dixie’s life will be held at a later date in the spring.

Special thanks are due to Dixie’s sister Renae, niece Tara, and hospice for making her as comfortable as possible during her final months.