Iva Pearl Bixler

Iva Pearl Bixler, 77, of Goshen, died at her home Thursday morning, May 2, 2013. She was born August 9, 1935 in Claysburg, Pennsylvania to Samuel and Minnie (Musselman) Walter. She married Howard Bixler August 6, 1960 at the Upper Claar Church of the Brethren. He survives along with a daughter, Cathy (Lon) Wenger of Syracuse; a son, Rodney (Joanne) Bixler of Oakland, Nebraska; four grandchildren Ryan and Tracey Bixler (fiance, Travis Tonkinson), Carrie (Andrew) Hilty and Kyle Wenger; three sisters, Daisy, Nellie and Jean Walter, all of Claysburg, Pennsylvania; and a brother, Edward (Rachel) Walter of Wasilla, Alaska. She had a great love for her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Helen Claar and an infant sister; and a brother, Galen Walter. A 1952 graduate of Claysburg-Kimmel High School, Mrs. Bixler did Brethren Volunteer Service in New Windsor, Maryland from 1958 to 1959 where she met her husband. A member of the West Goshen Church of the Brethren, Mrs. Bixler worked as a school secretary at both Towncrest Junior High School and Waterford Elementary School before retiring in 1984 after more than 20 years. Friends may call to celebrate her life from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2013, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Monday, May 6, 2013, at the West Goshen Church of the Brethren. Pastor Norm Replogle will officiate. Burial will follow in West Goshen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Goshen Church of the Brethren.