Ila "Sue" Bixler-Martinez passed peacefully into the arms of our Savior on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Billings, Mont., surrounded by her beloved husband, Alan Martinez; her loving daughter, Kerrie McFarland; and special son-in-law, Kenny. She was born June 20, 1945, in Modesto, Calif., to Veral Killgore and Betty Dabbs, but she was raised by her grandparents, the late Roy and Myra Dabbs of Aztec.
Sue graduated from Aztec High School in 1962. She married her best friend, Robert Duane Bixler Sr., on Dec. 22, 1962, while he served in the U.S. Navy.
She was a loving and devoted wife for 48 years. True to God and her wedding vows, she took care of our Dad for last 12 years of his life, "until death do us part," and he took his final breath on Valentine's Day 2010.
Sue married Alan Martinez on June 16, 2012, and they enjoyed two very happy years together. She loved Al's sons and brothers and treated his grandchildren as her own. We are most grateful for the kindness, love and care Al so freely gave our mother.
Sue lived almost all of her life in Aztec. She and Al had been traveling throughout the country visiting family and friends when she suddenly fell ill. They were in Montana to meet the newest member of our family, her great-grand daughter, Myra McFarland. The next leg of their journey they planned to head south to celebrate the birth of Jacie Jane Locke in Arizona and be back in Aztec to celebrate Roberta's 50th birthday in September.
Mom was a loyal member of the Aztec Church of Christ for 69 years.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents; special grandparents, the late Roy and Myra Dabbs; and our dad, Robert Duane Bixler Sr.
Left to celebrate her legacy of love for all are her adoring husband and life friend, Alan Martinez; her loving daughters, Roberta Locke and Kerrie (Kenny McFarland); her beloved son, Robert Duane Bixler II; her eight grandchildren; 8 3/4 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Flossie, Linda, Shirley and Kathleen; our grandmother, Erma Killgore; her special brother-in-law, Dave Bixler; and her best friend since eighth grade/sister in Christ, Lahoma (Gene) Noyes.
Our mother and dad leave behind a legacy of our family loving each other and continuing to serve Jesus Christ our Lord and Master.
Pallbearers will be Duane Bixler II, Ken McFarland, Kenny McFarland, Kasey McFarland, Jesse Locke and David Bixler. Honorary pallbearers are her granddaughters and her three grandsons, who where unable to attend services.
Viewing will take be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, at Church of Christ, 201 Ruins Road in Aztec, with Brother Johnathan Dobbs officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery followed by dinner back at the church.
Sue's care is entrusted to Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., 505-334-9332. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com.