Carolyn Kay (Gilbert) Hixenbaugh

Carolyn Kay (Gilbert) Hixenbaugh, 86, of Claysville, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Carolyn was born April 11, 1940, in Rogersville. She was a daughter of the late Lloyd and Violet (Stockdale) Gilbert.

Carolyn graduated from Claysville High School in 1957 and she was a resident of Claysville all of her adult life.

Carolyn married William Hixenbaugh on May 30, 1957 and they were happily married for 47 years, until his death in 2004.

She enjoyed gardening, baking, puzzles, refinishing antiques, and spending time with family and friends. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor.

Carolyn sold Avon for many years and enjoyed all the people she met along the way.

Carolyn enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, while eating Rees’s cups and potato chips.

She loved her family and along with her husband, they made a home for their three daughters. She was the heart of the family and will never be forgotten.

She is survived by two daughters; Cheryl (the late James Wilson) and Debbie Hixenbaugh (James Ackley); her devoted caregiver for the past five years. She also loved her fur friends, Lilly the Lab and Dozer the cat. They both loved her and wanted to always be with her.

Also surviving are two grandchildren, Megan (Brian) Shrontz and James Wilson. Also surviving is a great granddaughter, Madison Shrontz and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy (the late Charles) Yanniello and a sister, Carmen Montine (the late Blaine) Clutter.

The family would like to thank two very special caregivers, Cheryl Durbin and Cindy Brady. Thank you. We really appreciate you both.

Also, thank you to Amedysis Hospice, especially Etta and Shyanna and Donna. You have no idea how much we appreciate the love, kindness and caring and support.

Friends and family will be received on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 11:00-2:00 at the Claysville United Presbyterian Church, 134 Wayne Street, Claysville, PA 15323, where the funeral will follow directly after with Rev. Jerome Creach, officiating. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a children’s charity or animal rescue.

Please view and sign the online tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.