Gaynell "Gay" Hixson, 83, of Scottdale, passed away Thursday, July 12, 2018, in Scottdale Manor and Rehabilitation Center, East Huntingdon Township. Gaynell was born Jan. 5, 1935, in Mt. Pleasant, a daughter of the late Robert Wilson and Blanche (Reese) Keslar. She was married to James M. Hixson, who passed away in April, 1979. Gaynell was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a faithful member of Scottdale Church of Christ, where she was active in events, served as a greeter, and was president of the ladies circle and Sunday school class. She was baptized by the Rev. Sam Saunders on Dec. 9, 1945. She enjoyed taking cookies and fudge to shut-ins and new members. Gaynell also enjoyed crafting and seeing friends at the Bullskin Senior Center. She was a dedicated employee as a certified nursing assistant at Westmoreland Manor and at Harmon House. Prior to her marriage, she served as an airline hostess with Eastern Airlines. She also spent lots of time with her grandchildren, buzzing around "Wally World" in her scooter! Gay was also a graduate of East Huntingdon High School, Class of 1952. Gaynell will be sadly missed by her loving family: her three children, Daniel Hixson and wife, Amy, of Connellsville, Tim Hixson and wife, Rebecca, of Scottdale, and Melissa Reed and husband, David, of Seymour, Tenn,; her daughter-in-law, Kelly Hixson, of Scottdale; her eight grandchildren, Megan, Rachael, Anthony, Maura, Sarah, Zachary, Gabrielle, and Joshua; her four great-grandchildren, Hayden, Taya, Meira, and Brinley; her sister, Gwendolyn Klepsky and husband, Dennis; and her brother, Larry Keslar and wife, Debby, all of Scottdale. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hixson (2011); her brother, Rodney Keslar; and her two sisters, Donna Greenawalt and Ardith Weightman.
Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the ROBERT B. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 105 Spring St., Scottdale (724-887-5300 / www.fergusonfunerals.com / GPS: N40 degrees 06.136, W79 degrees 35.278). Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, with Pastor Bob Chambers officiating.
The family extends appreciation to the staff of Scottdale Manor and Rehabilitation for their loving care. Love Lasts Forever!