Thelma Ann Bixler, 89, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Bell Tower Health and Rehabilitation Center in Granger on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. Her life was marked by steady devotion, quiet perseverance, and a love that revealed itself through care for others.

She was born on June 26, 1936, in St. Joseph County, Michigan, the eldest daughter of Mildred (Kiefer) and Harvey Mann. From an early age, Thelma learned the values of responsibility, humility, and resilience—qualities that would remain hallmarks of her character. 

Surviving is her devoted husband, James “Jim” Bixler, with whom she shared companionship, loyalty, and enduring affection. In addition to Jim, Thelma is lovingly remembered by her children: daughters Judith (Adam Smith) Bixler of Athens, Georgia, and Jenifer (Brian) Snow of Smyrna, Georgia; son John E. Bixler of Elkhart; sisters Elenor J. Newton of Burkburnett, Texas, and Marcia (Don) Troup of Elkhart; three cherished grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride: Christopher (Andrea) Snow of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Andrew (Nya) Bixler-Smith, and Ethan Bixler-Smith, all of Atlanta, Georgia; two great-granddaughters, Riley and Oakley Snow; stepdaughters Pam (Chris) Knapp of Oviedo, Florida, Cathy (Scott) Terpstra of Roseville, California, and Jody Clark of Crownsville, Maryland, along with numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Heidi.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her former spouse, William G. “Bill” Clark; and her sister, Jeannine I. Mann.

Thelma spent her early years in Central Lake and Mottville, Michigan. She later moved to Elkhart, Indiana and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1954. After graduating, she served in Mennonite Voluntary Service in Iowa City as a nurse’s aide. She returned to Elkhart and was employed at Mennonite Board of Missions. She was later employed by First Old State Bank and St. Joseph Valley Bank, then retired from NBD Bank in Elkhart after devoting nearly 38 years of her professional life to her work as a bookkeeper. Her work reflected who she was at heart—reliable, meticulous, and deeply trustworthy. She took pride in doing things well and in serving quietly, never seeking recognition, yet earning respect through consistency and integrity.

A thoughtful and generous person, Thelma was a longtime member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church. Music was one of her greatest joys. She especially loved listening to and singing hymns, gospel and folk music, and light classical pieces. Thelma was an avid traveler and camper. She was particularly drawn to the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her travels extended beyond the U.S. to places such as Canada, Jamaica, and Poland, which she and Jim visited as members of the Goshen Community Chorus.

She enjoyed many creative activities. She was an excellent cook who loved hosting and entertaining. Tending her flowerbeds brought her deep satisfaction. An accomplished seamstress and quilter, she found great pleasure in attending quilting retreats at Amigo Centre in Sturgis, Michigan. She spent many hours knitting and crocheting — often while watching musical performances on PBS.

Although life did not always come easily for Thelma, she met its challenges with remarkable resolve. Her resilience became a source of inspiration to those who knew her, and her steady presence left a lasting imprint on the hearts of family and friends alike.

A service in celebration of Thelma's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Prairie Street Mennonite Church, 1316 Prairie Street, Elkhart. A luncheon will follow in the church's fellowship hall, where the sharing of stories and memories will continue. All who attend are asked to wear vibrant spring colors in honor of Thelma's love of flowers and plants.  Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkhart has been honored to assist the family.