Dixie Donalynn Portra was born on July 11, 1962, in Williston, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Larry and Jewel Portra. Dixie was the youngest of 5 children. She spent her first year in Bainville, Montana before the family moved to Froid, Montana. Dixie attended Froid Public School and later she moved to South Dakota where she attended Job Corps classes.

After returning home she married Jeff Torgrimson in 1980. They had one son, Levi Torgrimson. After divorcing she met Dave Granley who has been her life partner.

Dixie moved onto Dave’s ranch north of Bainville, Montana. She has always loved the outdoors with a passion for animals and a particular love of horses. Nor can we exclude her many dogs and cats she has had over the years. If you were a stray animal or someone needing a place to stay for a while you were always welcome at Dave and Dixie’s. She also had three “girls” she considered her adoptive daughters… Bree, Kayla and Kate.

Dixie loved big gatherings. Among her favorites were Dave’s big brandings where she would cook and prepare for days getting ready to feed all that attended.

Dixie peacefully passed away after a battle with cancer on Saturday October 19, 2024, at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson, MT with family by her side.

Dixie is survived by her partner Dave Granley, son Levi Torgrimson of Bainville, Montana, granddaughter Monroe Torgrimson of Arkansas, brother Doug Portra of Froid, Montana, sister Denise Murray (Kim) of Froid, Montana, brother Dennis Portra (Beckie) of Bainville, Montana, and the “girls” Bree Lindvall, Kayla Buckalew, and Kate Bartow. She has 6 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, parents, a sister and brother in-law Darnell and Bob Sparks.

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