Bixler, Elizabeth Caroline (1928-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Oct 20 p. 8

Birth date: 1928 Mar 6

text of obituary:

ELIZABETH CAROLINE BIXLER

Elizabeth Caroline Bixler, daughter of Dale and Celesta (Smucker) Bixler, was born at Goshen, Ind., March 6, 1928. Following an illness of two months she died at Cleveland State Hospital, Aug. 19, 1960, aged 32 years, five months and 15 days.

At the age of 11 she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and was accepted through baptism into the Goshen College Mennonite Church. From 1942-47 she lived with her family at West Liberty, Ohio, where she was a member at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church. In 1947 she came to live with her grandmother and aunt at Orrville. After several years of fellowshipping with the congregation here, she united with the Orrville Mennonite Church.

Elizabeth attended the public schools through the tenth grade. Because of her desire to complete high school she enrolled in 1959 at the Orrville High School and finished her junior year with credit. She had hoped to take the senior year at the new Christian High School at Kidron. Elizabeth spent three terms in with in winter Bible School at Canton, O., and Eastern Mennonite College.

Elizabeth was interested in the church and its work. She faithfully attended all church services. Her interest was deepened by consistent reading of the church periodicals and books. Her comprehension of world-wide needs led her to intercessory prayer for the Lord's work. In spite of physical handicap, her life was a positive Christian witness in the community. She assisted several years in summer Bible school and served two seasons at Camp Luz. Elizabeth earnestly desired to enter the VS program of the church, but this desire was not fulfilled. However, she did give a faithful service in the home of her aunt and grandmother from 1947 until the death of Grandma Bixler in 1955. She will be greatly missed by her Aunt Elma, with whom she continued to make her home.

In addition to her parents she is survived by two brothers, David and James of Elkhart; and six sisters, Esther (Mrs. Franklyn Heatwole) of La Junta, Colo., Ruth (Mrs. Clarence Reeser) of Albany, Ore., Mary of Freeman, S. D., Rachel (Mrs. Ruperto Guedes, Jr.) of Hesston, Kan., Joanna and Lois at home.