Mary Ann Whetsel Bixler
Smithfield
Mary Ann Whetsel Bixler, of Smithfield, Pa. passed away on Sunday, March 01, 2026.
She was born in Smithfield, Pa. on May 22, 1943 a daughter of the late Van B. and Mary A. Wetsel who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sherry D. Fritzman; her cherished daughter, Melissa Ann Fritzman, who passed away on February 27, 2020, Melissa was a recognized national expert on long term care and worked for the State of Virginia; her brother, Ronald E. Bell and her parents-in-law, Curtis and Anna Lee Bixler.
Surviving are her beloved husband, Paul W. Bixler, who she married on July 19, 1996; also a very special young lady, Nicole L. Smith, who came into her life at the age of one month and who spent many hours with her and truly became “part of the family” and a daughter, Melody E. Homa (Danny). She is also survived by Matthew S. Bixler (girlfriend Jennifer) and his sons, Austin Bixler (wife Michelle) and Zach Bixler (girlfriend Vana); and sister-in-law, Kim Wilson (husband Tim) and their children, Vlad and Karina.
Mary Ann moved to Richmond, Va. In 1965 and was a resident there until 1994. In Richmond she was employed by Commercial Credit (later to be known as CitiFinancial) in 1968. Her first position with the company was that of Branch Clerk and when she transferred with the company back to Uniontown, she was an Associate Branch Manager. The years she spent with the company in Richmond were very special to her and she enjoyed the many friends she met as part of her job.
Mary Ann formerly belonged to Patterson Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond and was a deaconess, a member of the finance committee and had a kitchen committee that she was privileged to prepare Wednesday supper for the congregation once a month. She was currently a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church at Old Frame, Nicholson Township, Pa.
The family will receive friends and family in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, Pa. on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 10 to 11a.m. The Funeral Service begins at 11 a.m. the hour of service with Pastor Charles Bowser officiating.
Interment will follow in Old Frame Cemetery, Nicholson Township, Pa.