Lois Ilene Wixom

1932 - 2023

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

She was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Mt. Sterling, Iowa, 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 Jan. 2, 1950. "Wix" preceded her in death on March 17, 2012.

Lois had previously been employed by Delaney Cleaners and was the director of the Keokuk Child Daycare Center for 25 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 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 700 dresses for 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.

She is survived by three children, Steve (Karla) Wixom, Debby (Jim) Mueller, and Cindy (Jim) Hardin; 10 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 15 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, and Colby and Parker Hardin. Lois is also survived by her brother Ronald (Rovene) Cochran; 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; parents; three sisters, Wilma West, Jeanie Sartori, and Irma Ellen Cochran; and two brothers, Robert Cochran and Stanley Little.

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

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

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

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