Elva Marie Hixson

Elva Marie Hixson, 98, passed away on March 20, 2026. She was born August 26, 1927, in Fordville, North Dakota, the oldest daughter of Oliver and Viola Johnson. A faithful and devoted woman throughout her life, Elva moved to Yakima as a young child and grew up in Outlook alongside her siblings Mavis, Jean, Ray, and Paul. While attending school to become a licensed cosmetologist, she met her lifelong friend Velita—born on the same day—and their friendship endured through the years. Elva raised her firstborn John, Nancy, Rosie, and Eddie in the house Dad built.

Elva met Ed at an American Legion dance on April 29, 1951, and they married on October 20, 1951. Together they bought a tiny cabin on the Cedar River, a place where she said she was the happiest she’d ever been. Dad and his brother Len worked on a house in Renton to accommodate their growing family and included a beauty shop, where neighbors, church friends, and family became her clients. Elva and Ed attended Village Chapel Church and others throughout their adult lives, remaining active in their faith community; she also served as a 3rd grade Sunday school teacher. After Ed retired from Boeing in 1982, they moved to Yakima. \

Elva had two people who were like daughters to her, Diane and Rosie, and she raised Rosie for 5 1/2 years. After being widowed for seven years, Elva remarried Len after he was widowed, and they shared six years of blissful adventures. She loved her Hixson boys. In 2000, Elva moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where she made many friends while residing at Garden Terrace, then Blossom Valley, and finally Regency Rehab.

Elva is survived by her baby brother Paul; her sister-in-law Ardy; her children Nancy(Steve) and Edward(Teri); our Rosie, while we were blessed; her grandchildren Jason(Courtney) and Bree; her great-grandchildren Bryce, Xavier, Jonah, and Abram; and her great-great-grandchild Jaimee for bonus points. She had a wicked funny sense of humor and a big heart. She is always with us.

Visitation will be held at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902, on April 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Graveside Service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, 530 Elmwood Rd, Toppenish, WA 98948, on April 8, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Elva’s final resting place will be at Elmwood Cemetery, 530 Elmwood Road, Toppenish.