Ellen Josephine Nixon

Ellen Josephine Nixon, 87, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at Homestead of Holton with family by her side. She was born November 27, 1938 in Waco, OK, the daughter of Leo Garnett and Ella Dorothea (Matilda) Barber. She was raised in Elko, NV, lived in Belleville, KS for 22 years and lived in Holton since 2000.

Ellen graduated from Belleville High School in 1957 and attended Elko Community College in Elko, NV. She had worked at The Commercial Hotel and Casino and Stockman’s Hotel and Casino as an event planner, catering and waitress. After moving to Holton, Ellen was the Secretary for the First Christian Church for over 15 years.

She was a former member of the First Christian Church in Holton and member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton and in Nevada.

Ellen married Homer Samuel Nixon on February 20, 1959 in Belleville, KS. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2001, after 42 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Ella Barber; son, John Ray Nixon in 1988; daughter, Diana Fate in 2024; sister, Helen Aramaki; 2 brothers, Joe and John Lewis Barber and half-brother, Jack Barber.

Survivors include her son, Howard Nixon of Holton, KS; son-in-law, Don Fate; half-brother, Norman Hines (Carolyn) of Elko, NV; 2 grandchildren, Zachary Fate (Samantha) and Mallory Fate (Lane Lassiter) both of Holton, KS and 3 great-grandchildren; Ava, Ari & Jade.

Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton. Inurnment will be at a later date at the Belleville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Education Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.