Jacquelyn Bixler, 77, Rochester, Indiana, died  unexpectedly , Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at her home.

  Jaci was born May 15, 1939 in the St. Elizabeth Hospital, E. Chicago IN.  to Otho Arthur Bixler and Ella Pearl Wallace Bixler. She was raised in Hobart IN and after graduating from Hobart High School attended the University of Michigan to become a music therapist. She soon realized she had chosen the wrong major. When she and a friend decided to attend the Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing they were told all the spaces were filled but they could take the entrance exam for a slot in a future class. Both girls scored such high scores space was made for them to begin classes immediately. After graduating she worked in several area hospitals and finally California dreaming became a reality for her. She loved being a surgical nurse and spent many years in that capacity. Needing a break she sold medical instruments but hated the travel and made the decision to return to Indiana as her parents were becoming older.  Jaci joined the surgical team at Woodlawn Hospital in 1979 and retired in 2005 as the Quality Assurance person.

She was very intelligent and could discuss many subjects, she was a very good writer, loved music, people, trees, but most of all she loved animals.  Animals of all sizes, shape and color were wonderful creatures that became her true passion. She was a member of the Library Book Club, the Writer’s group in Akron, the Tuesday Breakfast group, and loved being one of the Crazy Yorkie Ladies.

 She leaves to grieve her loss her beloved aunt Ann W. Ledbetter of Xenia OH, cousins Phyllis Kinsley of Fairborn OH, Marilyn Caddle of Salisbury N C, Betsy Harner of Xenia OH, and a special friend Dr. Michael Walsh of Crown Point IN,  as well as many, many friends in Rochester .

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 10:00am at Zimmerman Bros Funeral Home, Rochester IN.  Friends may visit with the family 1 hour prior to the service.  On line condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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