Lois Ilene Wixom

1932-2023

 

     Lois Ilene Wixom, 91 of Keokuk, IA passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

     She was born October 22, 1932 in Mt. Sterling, IA the daughter of Archie and Bertha (Pruitt) Cochran.  Lois graduated from Revere High School with the class of 1950.  

     Lois was united in marriage to the love of her life, James Leonard Wixom on January 2, 1950.  “Wix” preceded her in death on March 17, 2012.

     She is survived by three children, Steve (Karla) Wixom, Debby (Jim) Mueller and Cindy (Jim) Hardin, ten grandchildren, Kristy (Lance) Boatman, Kim Cannon, Matt (Dailyn) Wixom, Kourtney (Ben) Brissett, Mia Mueller, Misti (Scott) Maidel, Austin (Shauna) Hardin, Adam Hardin, Andy (Ashley) Hardin and Archie Hardin and fifteen great-grandchildren, Kolton, Kenton and Kaylynn Summers, Kendra Boatman, Kailey, Kyler, Karley and Kaitey Cannon, Nolan Wixom, Millie and Nick Brissett, Tayli Maidel, Isaiah Hardin, Colby and Parker Hardin.  Lois is also survived by her brother, Ronald (Rovene) Cochran and one sister, Twila (Delbert) Harper along with other very special people in her life, Donna (Dale) Wixom and Candy (Mike) Mueller and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters, Wilma West, Jeanie Sartori and Irma Ellen Cochran and two brothers, Robert Cochran and Stanley Little.

     Lois had previously been employed by Delaney Cleaners and was the director of the Keokuk Child Daycare Center for twenty-five years.  She was the co-owner of Wixom Framing and had also managed the George M. Verity for nine years.  

     She was a devout member of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Keokuk, where she taught Sunday school.  She was also involved in the Mary Larson Circle, Emmanuel United Methodist Women and numerous other offices within the church.  

     Lois was the president of Wells Carey PTA, den mother for Cub Scouts, Genealogy Society, Swing Easy Square Dance Club, Swing Easy Memorial Foundation, Keokuk Area Hospital and hospice volunteer.  She was recognized with an award from the Governor of the State of Iowa for her volunteer services.

     Lois had incredible sewing abilities.  She used her talent to not only make her daughters’ wedding dresses and quilts for her loved ones, but to also give to others.  Over the years, she made and donated over seven hundred dresses for the children in Nepal, Haiti and Africa, lap robes for Veterans, pillowcases for children with cancer at the University of Iowa Hospital, bibs for nursing home patients, complete bedding sets for foster care children and blankets for hospice.  

     Lois was an avid card and game player and enjoyed playing with friends and family, normally coming out as the winner.  She loved traveling, going to horse races, boat rides on the Mississippi and watching sporting events.  Most important to her was spending quality time with her family and her beloved cat, Marble.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at the Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 1129 Exchange Street, Keokuk with Dr. J. Robert Burkhart officiating.  Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

     Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, at the Vigen Memorial Home 1328 Concert, Keokuk, with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to the Emmanuel United Methodist Church or to the City of Christmas.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com