Janet Louise "Jan" Hixson, 85 of Hiawatha, KS passed away peacefully August 27, 2025, at Maple Heights Rehabilitation Center.

She was born to Theodore and Marjorie (Meidinger) Philipp on April 8, 1940, in Highland, Kansas. She graduated from Hiawatha High School with the Class of 1958. She married L. Rance Hixson on January 31, 1960, in Hiawatha, Kansas. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion, raising two children, Pam and Eric.

The couple began their journey in Manhattan, Kansas where Rance attended college and Jan worked for Kansas Power and Light Company. They lived briefly in California, Kansas City and Manhattan before settling in Hiawatha, where Rance opened his CPA practice and they made their lifelong home.

Throughout her life, Jan worked at various retail positions. Whether helping someone find the perfect outfit at the Inn Shoppe or greeting diners at the Hiawatha Best Western Restaurant, Jan's kindness and genuine nature shone through. However, her most cherished role was caring for her grandchildren - a job she never considered work, but a true joy and privilege.

She was a proud member of Preceptor Gamma Kappa, a Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and enjoyed reading, playing dominos at the Senior Citizen's Center and sharing lunches with close friends. She rarely missed a chance to support her grandchildren or great grandchildren in their school and sporting events.

Jan is survived by her children Pam (Terry) Smith of Hiawatha and Eric (Kerry) Hixson of Holdrege, Nebraska. Her grandchildren Jena (Kelby) Meyer, Cody (Fiancée Trista), Ryker (Fiancée Jordyn), Cassie (Jared) Brader, Jared (Rebecca) Hixson, Dillon (Hannah) Hixson and Haley (Tyler) Varney. Her great grandchildren- Kloie, Adalyn and Kolby Meyer, Easton, Lily and Ella Brader, Koe Hixson and Blake Varney.

Jan is also survived by her brother Joe (Sue) Philipp of Lawrence and her sister-in-law Janiece (Ken) Spencer of Hiawatha, along with numerous extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rance, her parents and granddaughter Alli Faith Smith.

Her legacy of love, warmth, and unwavering support for her family will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of Jan's eternal life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Shane Spangler officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hope Brown County Cancer Fund or Jan Hixson Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com