Mary J. Hixson

Mary J. Hixson, 66, of Andover, Illinois, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established.

Mary Jane Diercks was born on April 27, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Arlin and Irene (Westendorf) Diercks. She graduated from North Scott High School. She married the love of her life, Michael Hixson, on February 4, 1978, at Hope Lutheran Church, in Dixon, Iowa. She dedicated more than 15 years of service to Hope Creek Nursing Home in East Moline.

She enjoyed stock car and sprint car racing, especially cheering for Rico Abreu. She was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Indiana Fever. She loved celebrating Christmas and Halloween, tending to her flowers, going to the movies, traveling, reading, and relaxing in her yard. Above all else, Mary treasured the time she spent with her best friend and husband of 48 years, Mike. She loved being a Nana and took great pride in watching her grandsons participate in their many activities.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Michael Hixson; sons, Jamie (Britta) Hixson and Corey (Kristi) Hixson; grandsons, Keagan, Kaiden, Chase, and Levi Hixson; sisters and a brother; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, and two brothers.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.