Agnes “Eleanor” Hixson
Agnes “Eleanor” Hixson passed away peacefully at Court House Manor Assisted Living on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103.
Born Nov. 21, 1922, to John and Dorothy (Elliott) Ladd, Eleanor was the second of four daughters.
She graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1940, where she was honored as homecoming queen.
Eleanor met the love of her life, George Hixson, around the time of her graduation from high school and they married just before he was deployed overseas to serve in the United States Army during WW II. Eleanor remained a lifelong patriot and devoted supporter of the military. Together, she and George were active in the Third Armored Division Association and traveled throughout the United States to attend reunions and events. She often reflected on how fortunate she was that George returned home from the war unharmed. Together, they raised two children and spent many happy decades in Greenfield, where they owned and operated Hixson Oil Company.
Eleanor carried herself with a quiet elegance that was evident in every aspect of her life. She was gracious, impeccably dressed, and known for making everyone who entered her home feel genuinely welcome. Her home was always beautifully appointed, reflecting the pride she took in creating a place of warmth, beauty, and hospitality. Whether hosting elegant dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or an afternoon visit with friends, Eleanor had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special.
An excellent cook, she could prepare a meal for any occasion, yet it was her chocolate cake with caramel icing that her family requested – and treasured—the most. She enjoyed golfing and spent many afternoons on the course with friends at Buckeye Hills Country Club. She and George also shared a love of dancing and often dressed for evenings filled with music, laughter, and friends. Dancing was one of things she missed the most after George died in 1983. Well into her 80s, Eleanor continued to play bridge and host gatherings in her home. She was an avid traveler, first with George and later with friends and her grandchildren. Her adventures took her throughout the United States as well as to Bermuda, Belgium, England, and Germany. Although generally cautious by nature, she surprised herself by booking a rafting excursion in Alaska to see a bald eagle preserve – an adventure she fondly recalled for the rest of her life. Eleanor enjoyed writing poetry and was thoughtful and reflective, especially regarding her faith. She was a devoted member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church and never wavered in her belief in the promise of eternal life. In her later years, she moved to Washington Court House, where she formed many treasured friendships within her condominium community.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Hixson; her parents, John and Dorothy Ladd; her son, Thomas Hixson; her sisters, Martha Ladd, Dorothy Gabriel and Marolyn Pitcher; her brother-in-law, Robert Pitcher; and her son-in-law, James Cadwallader.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan Cadwallader; daughter-in-law, Carol Hixson; four grandchildren, Kerrie Obert, Sarah Chio (Eugene), Douglas Beechler (Krystal Lute Weddington) and Bradley Hixson. Eleanor also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren,; great-great-grandchildren; treasured niece; nephews; and friends.
Eleanor often found inspiration in the quiet wisdom of the Quaker tradition from which her family came – a life lived with humility, kindness and quiet purpose. She embodied those values every day through her gracious spirit, unwavering dignity, genuine hospitality, and deep love for family. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, those who loved her find comfort in imagining her once again dancing in the arms of her beloved George.
“Walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.” – George Fox, Quaker Founder
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield with Otis Wagner officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenfield Cemetery.
Visitation will be noon-1 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Greenfield First United Methodist Church, Attn: Stained Glass Fund, 405 South Street, Greenfield, Ohio 45123.
Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.