Shirley E. Bixler

Shirley Elson Bixler, 95, of Edwardsville, Illinois formerly of Carmel/Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on April 23, 2025. She was born on August 11, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to the late Paul and Fern (Parr) Elson.

Shirley attended business college after graduating high school. She worked at several trucking companies in Ft. Wayne doing interline/scheduling. Shirley married her husband Leon (Bix) Bixler on August 23, 1954. After moving to Indianapolis, she worked for Allied Chemical and Whirlpool Corporation where she retired at 60. She went on to work for a hair salon where she did their books and scheduling part time well into her 70’s (they called her the energizer bunny). Among many other interests and love of travel, she enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She bravely fought a rare neurological condition known as PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) and participated in a clinical trial at Washington University to help in their research. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given at CurePSP.org

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Renee (John) Falcone of Edwardsville, Illinois; grandchildren, Jason (Kirsten) Falcone of Rolla, Missouri, Nicholas Falcone of Troy, Illinois, great grandchildren, Vita, Luke and Ruby Falcone. Also, many other loving family members with special mention of Suzette Rodriguez and Tammy (Bob) Macke.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Leon (Bix) Bixler, her parents and her sister Paula Elson Hurley. Also, nephews Jon Hurley and Al Rodriguez.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens on Saturday, May 3rd at 10:30am.