Wanda Pixler

This five-year memorial is written with love and respect for a remarkable woman who passed during the COVID pandemic. Her presence continues to be felt by those who remember her, and who celebrate her life, her love of family, and the grace with which she lived. Wanda Belle Hellyer Pixler passed from this world on January 28,2021 at the age of 97 to be with all those who have passed before her in the company of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Wanda was born in Blackwell, Tx. Her family later moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico where she attended school and graduated from Carlsbad High School. In Carlsbad, Wanda met and later married William Harold Pixler on April 17, 1946. Wanda and Bill spent many years together and raised their family in Carlsbad. During her time in Carlsbad, she raised their two children while working in accounting for various employers.

When Bill’s job transferred him, Wanda and Bill moved to Midland, Texas, where they continued their professional lives. Wanda worked in accounting for Drillco Oil, a role well suited to her lifelong aptitude for numbers and attention to detail. They lived and worked in Midland until retirement.

Following retirement, Wanda and Bill moved to Lake Possum Kingdom in Texas. There they spent many fulfilling years enjoying life on the lake. Their days were marked by fishing, time spent on the back porch, and watching sunsets across the water. Those years on the lake were marked by quiet contentment, deep companionship, and enjoyment of their surroundings. Wanda enjoyed hosting family, especially the grandchildren, and cherished every minute of time spent with loved ones.

After the passing of her loving husband Bill in 2007 and sixty years of marriage, Wanda moved to Waco, Texas to be closer to her daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In Waco, she continued to live independently and remained mentally active. She spent much of her time working crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, often completing them with new friends she made. She was a stickler for figures and numerical accuracy, and she took quiet satisfaction in order, routine, and intellectual challenge. Numbers and words continued to be a part of her daily life, keeping her mind engaged through her final days.

Wanda will be remembered as an independent woman who was fiercely loyal to those she loved and she was unfailingly kind. She is missed deeply by all who knew her, and especially by those who were fortunate enough to call her family. Being the gracious, courteous and caring lady that she was, she enjoyed the friendship of a great many people wherever she lived. Her friendship was unwavering and her love of all things good was shared with all who knew her.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Melinda (Pixler) Hawkins, (husband Gary Hawkins) of Robinson, Texas and her son, William Pixler, (wife Beverly (Veretto) Pixler of Graham, Texas; her grandchildren, Leesa (Hawkins) Hill (husband Doug Hill), and Andrew G. Hawkins; and her great grandchildren, Ty Hill, Baylee Hill, Ashlynn Hawkins, and Aleia Hawkins.