Sandra Haas Hixon, 81, of Fort Payne, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026. She was born December 8, 1944, to the late Herbert and Ruby Chitwood Haas. She was a graduate of Jacksonville State University and taught Home Economics at Valley Head High School for many years. She was creative in many ways. She shared her love of quilts with her students and created many memories making gingerbread houses with her students, as well as her family and friends. She enjoyed painting, drawing, and making homemade birthday cards and hand decorated cakes. She cherished all holidays and ensured lifelong memories were being made at each gathering.
She and her husband, Gilbert spent 19 years camping at Guntersville State Park. They fed the deer so often, the deer recognized the sound of their vehicle and would come running to their campsite. They shared their lifelong love of the outdoors with their young daughters who learned to tent camp early in life, as well as sharing their love of boating, hiking, fishing, and the art of homemade ice-cream making.
Sandra was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She loved her family unconditionally and took extra pride in her grandchildren and their accomplishments. Since losing the love of her life, Gilbert, in August 2025, she could often be found braving the cold temperatures at football games cheering on her beloved grandson, Jack Riley.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Wilson Funeral Home with burial following in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 4:30 until 7. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Sandra and Gilbert’s beloved rescue pup Bougie, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to help with future veterinarian needs for pups like Bougie (checks in care of Holly Hixon, PO Box 681335, Fort Payne, AL 35968, or cash donations can be dropped off at the funeral service).
She is survived by her beloved daughters Carri Turner (Jr.), Holly Hixon (Brad Roberts), and Hayden Simmons (Kevin); grandchildren Sydney Hixon Palmer (Jaron), Jacee Turner, Jayden Blackwell, Jack Riley Blackwell, Corian Simmons, Cadie Simmons, and Micah Simmons; sister Tammi Miller (Randy); chosen daughter LeAnn Bain; special niece and nephew Darlene Cowart and Michael Evers; and her beloved companion Bougie.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Gilbert Hixon and sister and brother-in-law Frances and Coy Evers.
The family extends their gratitude for the exceptional care received by the staff of DeKalb Regional Medical Center.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
