Emma J. Bixler

Emma Jane Bixler, 93, of Berne, Indiana passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025, Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana.

She was born on November 8, 1931, in Berne, Indiana to the late Harvey and Emma (Habegger) Nussbaum.

Emma was united in marriage to Rev. Roger Bixler on August 23, 1953 at First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana.

She attended the Decatur Baptist Church. Prior to moving to Berne, she was a member of the Calvary Bible Church in Lima, Ohio and the Westerville Bible Church in Westerville, Ohio.

Emma graduated from Berne High School in 1949. She was a homemaker and a Pastor’s wife.

She was an accomplished cook and seamstress. Emma enjoyed reading to keep her mind sharp.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Roger Bixler of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Brenda (Pastor Ron) Ruse of Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada; daughter, Jill (Pastor William) Jones of New York City, New York; daughter, Karen (Pastor Matt) Austin of Stevens, Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren: Laura, David, Krista, Alaina, Lynette, Bill, Garrett, Brad, Cherie, Jennifer and Kate; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Emma was preceded in death by her brother, Truman Nussbaum and her sister, Verna Sprunger.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Swiss Village Chapel in Berne, Indiana with Pastor David Stratton officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

Family and friends will be received one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the Swiss Village Chapel.

Preferred memorials are to Swiss Village Samaritan Fund or Gospel Fellowship Association Mission.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana.