Marian Nixon, age 92, of Mapleton, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Mapleton, Iowa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left online at armstrongfuneral.com
Marian Joan Nixon was born on November 2, 1933, in rural Castana, Iowa, to John C. and Helen Marian (Thomson) Williamson. She was educated in the Castana Community School District and graduated from Castana High School with the Class of 1951. During her childhood, she also attended Castana Community Church.
Following her graduation, Joan worked at Onawa State Bank for two years. On August 9, 1953, she was united in marriage to Lawrence “Russ” Nixon. Together, they were blessed with four sons: John Benjamin, Michael Lawrence, Richard Lynn, and Raymond Lyle. Joan and Russ spent their entire married life on their farm in rural Mapleton, Iowa, where she worked faithfully alongside her husband caring for livestock and assisting with fieldwork. Next to her faith, Joan’s greatest devotion was to her family.
Joan was a dedicated member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Mapleton. Her faith was evident through her many years of service, including teaching Sunday School, serving as both Vice President and President of United Methodist Women, leading church circles, and organizing numerous dinners and luncheons. She also served as the site coordinator for the “God’s Little House” project, which provided temporary housing for individuals and families in times of emergency. Joan remained actively involved in district meetings, Bible and book studies, mission work at the UMCOR depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, Walk to Emmaus, and various church boards.
Beyond her church involvement, Joan was active in her community. She served on the Woodbury County Extension Committee, participated in the Woodbury County Homemakers group, worked as a 4-H aide in Monona County, and organized a 4-H program for individuals with disabilities. She later founded her own tour company, planning and hosting trips across the United States and to Hawaii. Joan also held several positions throughout her life, including working at Winn-A-Bingo in Sloan, MCI in Sergeant Bluff, A.C. Nielsen Company as a marketing specialist, and as a Senior Companion.
In her later years, Joan resided at Maple Heights Nursing Home, where she formed many meaningful friendships and received compassionate care. Her family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff for their kindness and support.
Joan is survived by her sons: Ben (Diana) of DeLand, Florida; Michael (LeAnn) of Piedmont, South Dakota; and Richard of Mapleton, Iowa; grandchildren Eric, Clint, Melissa, and Augusta; ten great-grandchildren; and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russ Nixon; her son, Raymond Nixon; her parents, John C. and Helen Williamson; her sister, Charlotte; and her brother, Richard Williamson.
