Marlene Nixon, 91, passed away peacefully at home on September 30, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was a beloved resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for 49 years, formerly living in Billings, Montana, and Wichita, Kansas.
Marlene was born on December 25, 1932, to Oscar J. and Adina M. (Magnuson) Peterson in Emporia, Kansas. She attended the University of Kansas, receiving her BS in Art Education in 1953. Marlene was an active member of Delta Phi Delta, Pi Lambda Theta, and the Women’s Athletic Association (WAA/Basketball). On July 25, 1959, she married L. Douglas Nixon in Wichita, Kansas.
She dedicated her career to teaching art in Wichita and Billings and later worked for the Census Bureau in Colorado Springs. Marlene was a remarkable woman whose passions enriched her life and the lives of those around her.
One of her greatest loves was gardening. She spent countless hours nurturing her vibrant flowers and carefully tended vegetables, producing a wonderful abundance of each to share with others. Sewing was another of her cherished pastimes, crafting beautiful pieces in her sewing room year after year and passing that joy on to her family. Art, in all its forms, captivated her spirit. Whether it was painting, drawing, or crafting, Marlene found joy in expressing herself creatively. In her quieter moments, she loved to unwind by watching mystery shows. Through her gardening, sewing, artistry, and love for mysteries, Marlene cultivated a rich tapestry of life that brought beauty and joy to everyone around her.
Marlene demonstrated her faith through actions more than words, singing in church choirs and occasionally playing the piano at services. She and her husband were always welcoming, providing food and comfort to family, friends, and strangers alike. Her faith and strong Swedish determination guided her through challenges, including overcoming non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the amputation of her lower leg later in life.
She is survived by her son, David (Patricia) Nixon of Colorado Springs; her three grandchildren: James Nixon (Chelsey) of Wichita, Kansas; Krista Warren (Jerad) of Golden, Colorado; and Gilbert (Jaymee) Maes of Las Vegas, New Mexico; and her great-grandchildren: Blake Nixon, Anthony Maes, and Amaree Maes. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband, L. Douglas Nixon; and her son, Timothy J. Nixon.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925. A reception will follow at 4538 Valencia Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oscar. J. Peterson Scholarship, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas (https://www.emporia.edu/foundation-giving/ways-give/tributes-memorial-gifts/); Pikes Peak Hospice; or to your preferred cancer charity.