Marilyn K. Hixson, Boardman resident and educator, Dies at 93

A lifetime of community service concludes in Boardman

Marilyn K. Hixson, a dedicated educator and longtime community leader in the Mahoning Valley, passed away peacefully at her home on October 16, 2026. She was 93 years old and was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing, according to reports from WKBN.com, Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, and Legacy.com.

Her death marks the end of a storied life that spanned from the industrial landscape of Pittsburgh to the educational corridors of Maryland and finally to the residential communities of Ohio. For those in Boardman and Youngstown, Hixson was more than just a resident; she was a fixture of local civic life, leaving behind a legacy built on literacy, leadership, and service.

From the classroom to community leadership

Born in 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Marilyn was the daughter of Oliver R. Krick and Evelyn Grace (Nichol) Krick. Her journey through education began in West Virginia, where she grew up in Fairmont and graduated from Fairmont West High School. She later attended Fairmont State University, where she was a member of the Gamma Chi Sorority, an experience that helped foster the lifelong friendships she carried with her throughout her life.

After graduating in 1955 with a degree in Education, Hixson began a career that shaped the minds of students in Maryland. She served as an English teacher at both Brooklyn Park High School and Kensington Junior High School. This professional foundation in language and literature likely informed her later roles as a community organizer and a lover of the written word.

Marilyn K. Hixson, Boardman resident and educator, Dies at 93 — Photo: higgins-reardon.com

In 1957, she married Clayton Allan Hixson in Annapolis, Maryland. The couple eventually settled in Liberty Township, located north of Youngstown, Ohio, while Clayton attended medical school. As they raised three children, Marilyn transitioned her focus toward local volunteerism and community engagement, becoming a visible presence in several local organizations.

Her civic footprint included several key roles:

Leader for the Girl Scouts
Member of the Junior League of Mahoning Valley
Member of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary Guild in Youngstown
President of the Oak Wood Village Condo community in Boardman
President of the Youngstown Book Club

A legacy of literacy and local connection

Beyond her formal leadership roles, Hixson was known for her personal interests that bridged the gap between solitary enjoyment and social connection. She was an avid reader and a devoted fan of actor A. Martinez. Her social life often revolved around bridge games with friends, playing tennis, and tending to her yard.

Her family remains a central part of her story.

For those looking to honor her memory through charitable means, the family has suggested contributions to two institutions that reflect her life’s passions: Akeso Hospice in Canfield, Ohio, or the Boardman Library. The choice of the library as a memorial destination underscores her lifelong commitment to education and the literary arts.

Television tributes scheduled for November 9

While a private remembrance will be held by her family, local residents will have the opportunity to view a television tribute to her life on Monday, November 9. A video version of the tribute is expected to be made available following the broadcasts.

Professional arrangements for her final rest are being managed by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes at the Poland Chapel.

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