Maria K. Nix, age 70, of Evansville, IN, passed away at 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.
Maria was born January 21, 1949, in Evansville, IN, to Peter and Margaret (Knight) Koens. She graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1967. Maria attended University of Evansville and, while working at Mead Johnson for 18 years, then she transferred to University of Southern Indiana where she received her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Secondary Science Education. Maria later received her PhD in Secondary Science Education from Indiana University Bloomington. She taught at Oakland City College, Reitz Memorial High School, St. Meinrad, 5 years at Stanley Hall and Indiana University. Maria was a published author, writing articles for National Science Teacher and other publications as well as a book, The Stoner Chronicles. She enjoyed watercolor painting. Maria’s paintings have been displayed at Evansville Vanderburgh Public Libraries. She also enjoyed sitting by the fire in the front yard with her neighbors.
Maria is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Bruce Nix; sisters, Melanie Gruner (Bill) and Melissa Pennell (Terry); and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Father Ted Tempel officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019 at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to: Dr. Maria (Koens) Nix, PhD Scholarship Fund, University of Southern Indiana at 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47712.
Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net