Ellen Nixon 1938-2026

Ellen Josephine Nixon, 87, of Holton, passed away Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at Homestead of Holton with family by her side.

She was born Nov. 27, 1938, in Waco, Okla., the daughter of Leo Garnett and Ella Dorothea (Matilda) Barber. She was raised in Elko, Nev., lived in Belleville for 22 years and lived in Holton since 2000.

Ellen graduated from Belleville High School in 1957 and attended Elko Community College in Elko, Nev. She had worked at The Commercial Hotel and Casino and Stockman’s Hotel and Casino as an event planner, caterer and waitress. After moving to Holton, Ellen was secretary for First Christian Church for more than 15 years.

She was a former member of First Christian Church in Holton and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton and in Nevada.

Ellen married Homer Samuel Nixon on Feb. 20, 1959, in Belleville. He preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 2001, after 42 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Ella Barber; son, John Ray Nixon, in 1988; daughter, Diana Fate, in 2024; sister, Helen Aramaki; two brothers, Joe and John Lewis Barber; and a half-brother, Jack Barber.

Survivors include her son, Howard Nixon of Holton; son-in-law, Don Fate; half-brother, Norman Hines (Carolyn) of Elko, Nev.; two grandchildren, Zachary Fate (Samantha) and Mallory Fate (Lane Lassiter), both of Holton; and three great-grandchildren, Ava, Ari and Jade.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Belleville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Education Fund, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)