Patricia A. Hixson, 89, of Bassett, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Rock County Long Term Care.

Pat was born on June 7, 1936, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Halley and Olive (Smith) James. She grew up in Cottonwood, South Dakota, and attended elementary school there. During World War II, her family moved to Anaheim, California, where her father worked in a plywood factory. On the journey west, they traveled just 15 miles per hour to conserve the rubber on their tires—a memory Pat often shared. After the war, the family returned to South Dakota and settled in Gann Valley, where Pat graduated from Quinn High School in 1954.

She pursued her teaching degree at South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she studied for three and a half years before meeting the love of her life, Norman J. Hixson. They were married on February 9, 1957, in Gann Valley. While Norman served in the U.S. Army, the couple lived in White Plains, New York, where their first daughter, Rhonda Marie, was born. They made a home in a small apartment while Norman commuted to and from his military base.

Following Norman's discharge, the couple returned to South Dakota and settled in Britton, where their second daughter, Daunitta Jeanne, was born in nearby Aberdeen. In 1962, the family moved to Nebraska, where their son, Kenneth Lloyd and youngest daughter, Sandra Kaye were born. Over the years, the Hixsons lived in several Nebraska communities including Neligh, Clearwater, O'Neill, and Stuart. In 1967, they made Bassett their home, where they lived for nearly three decades.

Pat held many jobs throughout her life, but she found particular joy working alongside Norman as a bookkeeper at Hixson Skelly and Norm's Repair in Bassett. In 1995, the couple moved to La Vista, and Pat worked as a secretary for a trucking company in Ralston. Eventually, they relocated to Homestead Knolls at the Calamus Reservoir—a place they truly cherished. During that time, they owned and operated a cross-country trucking business. Pat proudly served as Norman's co-pilot, and together they traveled many miles and saw much of the country.

After retiring in 2010, they spent the falls in Colorado, helping their grandson with harvest. Winters were enjoyed in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they built lasting friendships within the community. Each spring, they returned to their beloved Calamus home, where they spent time with children and grandchildren, and welcomed guests to the lake. These years were filled with joy, laughter, and lasting memories.

Since 2021, Pat has resided at Rock County Long Term Care.

A faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and Eastern Star, Pat loved reading, crocheting, playing Blitz, and spending time with her family. She had a beautiful voice and a passion for music, often joining church choirs and participating in community performances. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many activities. Pat will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and deep devotion to her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Norman of Bassett; children: Rhonda (Paul) Hickman of Colton, South Dakota; Daunitta (Gary) Buoy of Burwell; Kenneth Hixson of Dannebrog; and Sandra (Gaylen) Fowler of O'Neill. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren; her sister, Charlotte (Bruce) Douglas of Vancouver, Washington; her brother and sister-in-law, Darold James and Patricia James of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Belva Schwanke of O'Neill; sister-in-law, Carla (Gary) Bundy of Hooper; sister-in-law, Gloria (Bill) Polzkill of Grand Island; along with many nieces, nephews, and family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Halley and Olive James; her sister, Jerolyn Nachtman; brother-in-law, Bernard Nachtman; brother-in-law, Leo Schwanke; and her parents-in-law, C.J. and Martha Hixson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bassett, with Pastor Glen Stahlecker officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Peter Lutheran Church.