Paula Janette Hixson, 76, of Spencerville, passed away peacefully at her home on May 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and her faithful companion, "Little Dog" Cuddles.

Born September 25, 1949, in Gallipolis, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Virginia (Lambert) Davenport. A 1968 graduate of Lima Senior High School, Janette married the love of her life, Samuel Allen Hixson, on December 6, 1969. Together, they shared 56 years of marriage built on devotion and family.

Janette's life was defined by her heart for service. While raising her children, she served as a Boy Scout Den Mother, a Girl Scout Leader, and a Spencerville Band Booster. Her dedication to her community was further seen through her 21 years of volunteering for the Spencerville School System. Professionally, she was a familiar face to many through her work at Sears, Meijer, and Flowers by Colleen.

An unwavering advocate for veterans, Janette was a deeply active member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6772. She served as Auxiliary President for many years and was honored to serve twice as the VFW Auxiliary Ohio District 2 President. Beyond her service, Janette was an avid sports fan who could always be found rooting on the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cleveland Browns.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Sam; two children, Eddie (Mandy) Hixson of Spencerville and Shelly Hixson of Spruce Pine, NC; siblings, Juanita Finn, Jeanie Stephens, Mark Curtis, and Larry (Tina) Oyler and in-laws Carolyn Cox and Ron Miller.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Bryan Hixson; her mother, Virginia Davenport; and brothers Ronald Cox, Bill Oyler, Doug Oyler, and Tom Oyler. She was also preceded in death by extended family members Evelyn and Ralph Hixson, Hugh and Nancy Seibert, John Hixson, Jeanie Miller, Susie Hixson, and Dan Finn.

Janette loved her family, her lifelong friends, and her VFW community dearly.

Her visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, with a VFW Auxiliary service at 7:45 p.m. Additional visitation will be held Wednesday, May 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Janette and her family.

Memorials: Donations may be made to the Spencerville VFW or Spencerville VFW Auxiliary. In true Janette fashion, her family invites you to honor her memory by playing $20 on your favorite tips or slot machines at your local post.