LaVaun Bernice Nix (96) of rural Ste. Marie

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 by clicking here. 

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, farmer’s 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.