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Obituary: Mary Dean Wixson

Mary Dean Wixson
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Mary Dean Wixson March 19, 1922 – January 21, 2020

Mary Dean Annand Wixson, 98, passed away on January 21, 2020 at the Memorial Regional Health Hospital in Craig, CO. Mary was born on March 19th, 1922 in Hayden, CO to George Annand and Nell Ryder Annand.

She attended school in Hayden, graduating in 1940. Mary married Harold Fitch Wixson on May 28th, 1940 in Vernal, Utah. Mary lived her whole life in Hayden within three miles of where she was born. She sailed to Scotland, with her father, Scotty Annand, when she was 12yrs old in 1934. She treasured her memories of meeting her Scottish family there. Mary was a dedicated wife and mother.

Mary and Harold had three sons, one who passed at birth, George, and James. Mary began exhibiting at the Routt County Fair in 1934, in seventh grade. She was well known for her exceptional craftsmanship, whether it was crochet, knitting, ceramics, canning, honey, or garden vegetables. Mary was a Routt County Fair Grand Champion for many years in many activities. And served as Superintendent at the County Fair for over twenty years. Mary was a lifelong volunteer serving in Cub Scouts, 4-H Leader, and on the Council of Aging for over 10yrs.

She helped prepare and serve lunch for seniors at the American Legion for over 15yrs. She also helped with the all school reunions for Hayden High School for many years. She was a lifelong member of the Rebecca’s Lodge #75 for over 67yrs holding many positions.

Mary and Harold loved the earth and all that it could grow. They kept busy growing and canning from their many fruit trees, berries, and every kind of vegetable you can imagine. Along with gardening their small farm was a zoo at times. If any animal big or small needed a home, they found it with Mary and Harold. She adored her chickens, hummingbirds, ducks, and one very ornery old goose named Honker. He was the best guard dog you could ever ask for. One-year Harold decided he needed to add bees to the farm, while Mary who had an allergy to them, was not too happy about it. She worked right alongside him though, and Medicare Acres Honey was born. They worked the bees for several years with the help of George and any grandkid that was visiting. Mary loved going along with Harold on his many daily trapping adventures. Seeing the wildlife and the countryside, but most of all if she did not have a camera in her hands, she had her needlework, or fishing pole. She would work crossword puzzles with her morning coffee, early before anyone would get up. Mary also loved playing cards or Yahtzee with the grandkids any time. Mary was a great cook and you never left the table hungry. Everyone was always welcome, and the cookie jar was never empty. When the grandkids left the house to play after breakfast, she would start baking. They always knew the right time to come running in and get whatever fresh baked goodie awaited.

On May 18th, 1995, Harold passed away just ten days shy of being married for 55yrs. After Harold’s passing, Mary moved into town. In 2014 Mary became a resident of Sandrock Care Center in Craig, CO. Where she lived until passing.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers, an infant son and son George. Mary is survived by one son James (Linda) Wixson of Glasgow, MT. Daughter-in-Law Jeannie Wixson of Hayden, CO. Grandchildren Scott (Dottie) Wixson of Rawlins, WY. Gina (Robert) O’Gorman of Wake Forrest, NC. Nelson (Colleen) Wixson of Cary, NC. Douglas (Debbie) Wixson of Glasgow, MT. Tammy Wixson of Glasgow, MT. Heather (Nick) Mc Dowell of Saratoga Springs, NY. Joel (Angelica) Wixson of Jacksonville, FL. Gregory (Jennifer) Wixson of Glasgow, MT. And 15 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Memorial Services for family only will be held on June 27, 2020 at 11:00 at Hayden Cemetery.


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