LaVaun Bernice Nix, age 96

January 22, 1928 – August 24, 2024

LaVaun Bernice Nix, age 96, of rural Sainte Marie, Illinois, passed away at 6:45 PM – Saturday, August 24, 2024, at her home.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM – Friday, August 30, 2024, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois.  The burial will be in the Saint Mary's Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois.  A visitation for family and friends will be held 10:00 to 11:00 AM – Friday before the mass.  In loving memory of LaVaun, memorials may be made to St Thomas School or Shriner's Children's Hospital.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left www.meyerfh.com.

LaVaun was born on January 22, 1928, in Jasper County, Illinois, the daughter of Andrew "Andy" and Anne (Spitzer) Sheridan.  She graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1946.  LaVaun married Norbert Nix on November 23, 1949, and he preceded her in death on April 14, 1999.

LaVaun was a homemaker, farmers wife and loving mother and grandmother.  She was a lifelong member of Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.  LaVaun was also a member of the Sainte Maire Home Extension, Jasper County Pork Producers – Porkettes.

LaVaun served as an election judge for several years and enjoyed playing cards, gardening and raising flowers.

LaVaun is survived by:

Children – Nancy (Ben) Ochs and Jim Nix (special friend Nicki Dart) both of Sainte Marie, Illinois

Grandchildren – Brad (Annie) Ochs, Amy (Matt) Tarr, Jason (Victoria) Ochs, Ashley (Nick) Powers, and Alyssa (Skyler) Acklin

Great Grandchildren – Dava (Conner) Webster, Wade Tarr, Mallory Ochs, Wyatt Ochs, Oliver Ochs, Dominic Ochs, Hazel Ochs, Haley Ochs, Heidi Ochs, Colton Ochs, Brooklyn Powers, and Fayelynn Powers.

A great grandchild is expected in February, 2025, and a great-great grandchild is expected in December, 2024.

Sisters-in-law- Betty Ochs and Zoey Nix both of Newton, Illinois

LaVaun was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Karen Nix, great granddaughter Trinity Powers, brother Norbert Sheridan, sister Dorothy Woods, half brothers Lorraine Sheridan, Lenoard Sheridan, and a half sister Geneva Swortfiger.