Leona 'Ona' Mae Stricker passed away November 6th, 2026. Her Celebration of Life will be held at Dugan Kramer Funeral Home on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 1:30 pm. Inurnment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery in Minatare, Nebraska. Casual attire or Husker gear is encouraged. Memorials may be made to a library of your choice. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the family.
Ona was born on August 26th, 1948, in Scottsbluff to Dale and Virginia (Hain) Holmes and was the oldest of four children (and the only girl). She attended rural grade schools and graduated from Minatare High School in 1966.
She married Dan Stricker in May of 1968, and to this union, two children were born—Holli and Brant. They later divorced, and she met Tom Bixby. Ona and Tom's story began with a blind date, which turned into over 30 years of love, companionship, and adventure. Their first date included floating down the river below Glendo, setting the stage for the many adventures they would share over the years. Together, they traveled to places like Cancun, Connecticut, and Arizona, making memories and enjoying life along the way. Through all the miles traveled, laughter shared, and experiences enjoyed, they created a lifetime of memories that will be cherished forever.
She worked various jobs throughout her life, including Great Western Sugar Company, Scotts Bluff Country Club, and the City of Mitchell, where she retired in 2015.
She was a devoted Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Great-Great-Grandma, attending any of their activities that she could. She loved going to concerts during Cheyenne Frontier Days and treasured her trip to the State Fair with her granddaughters and three of her great-granddaughters to see Pentatonix.
She was a wonderful baker! Her cakes and cookies were always the favorite of any holiday—most remembered will be her Poppy Seed Cake, Red Beet Cake, Monster Cookies, Sugar Cookies, and Rum Balls (which no one under 21 should have eaten!), as well as her Chex Mix, which was always the first to disappear at family gatherings.
She is survived by her partner, Tom Bixby; daughter, Holli (Wes) McCance; grandchildren, Nathan (Stevie) Gross, Brigitte (Roger Anaya) Gross, and Bethany (Dave) Mehring; great-grandchildren, Josiah, Alyssa, Bailee (Teigen), Sahraya, Melanie, Parker, Zyanna, Hudson, and Quentyn; great-great-granddaughters, Paisley and Alaia; brother, Ken (Vicky) Holmes; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Jack) Strong and Alma Holmes; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Curt), Michael (Christina), Emily (Art), and Kari; plus numerous extended family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Virginia; son, Brant; brothers, Dick and Lee; great-grandson, Santiago; and numerous other family members
