Paula Bixler, age 60, of Elkhart, passed away at 6:33 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, at Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Elkhart after a long illness.

She was born April 5, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, to Paul and Ruth (Lunsford) Dawson. She moved to Michigan in 1985, and then to Indiana in 2014. She was a graduate of Northmont High School and Grace College. She was a teacher in Howardsville, Mich. until 2004. Paula was a former member of Millewood Chapel, and a member Howardsville Gospel Chapel. She loved to teach and taking care of other people. She was a great prayer warrior. Paula married Keith Bixler on Nov. 19, 1977, in Nappanee.

He survives, along with sons: James (Michelle) Bixler, Three Rivers, Mich.; and Isaac Bixler, Key West, Fla.; grandchildren: Isabella; Cheyenne; Jesse; and Trina Bixler; father: Paul Dawson, Clayton, Ohio; sisters: Diann Dawson, Clayton; and Cathy (Tim) Ross, Huber Heights, Ohio. She was preceded in death by infant sister: Brenda Dawson; and her mother: Ruth Dawson.

Friends and family may call from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Grace Brethren Church, Elkhart. Cremation will follow and inurment will follow at a later date at Hepton Union Cemetery. Rev. Bob Kulp will officiate the service.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family.