Martha F. Nixon

Today, we grieve the loss of a remarkable woman who was deeply loved as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We will miss her presence, her laughter, her wisdom, and the love she so freely gave. Yet, even through our tears, we rejoice in knowing that her earthly journey is complete and she is now home with Jesus—whole, at peace, and surrounded by the glory of Heaven. Martha "Marti" Faye Nixon, 76, of Gilson, IL passed away with her loved ones at her side at home on Sunday, October 4, 2026. She was born on February 2, 1950, in Sandwich, Illinois.

Marti is survived by her husband of 37 years, Bill Nixon; her children, Michelle (Steve) Wilder of Sycamore, IL, Rob (Stephanie) Nixon of Galesburg, IL, Jill Nixon of Bellingham, WA, and Brooke Nixon of Bow, WA; and her grandchildren, Alexandra Nixon-Wion, Andrew Sienko, Ryan (Gabrielle) Nixon , Sam Wilder, Ellen (Todd) Abraham, Maren Wilder, Maggie Wilder, and Sean Wilder. Also survived by her sister, Ruth Jump and two brothers, George and Ken Niles. Along with several nieces and nephews that she adored.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Leona Niles; her brothers, Paul, Bill, Mark, and Tom Niles; and her sister, Glenda Michaelson.

Marti graduated from Sandwich High School and began her career at Western Electric, where she worked until 1971, when she made the decision to leave the workforce and devote herself to raising her daughter, Michelle. She later spent much of her life in the hospitality industry, working at Maxwell’s Market in Woodhull, IL (where she met the love of her life), Jumer’s in Galesburg, IL, and, finally, Soangetaha Country Club. After retiring from Soangetaha, Marti entered what would become her most cherished “second act”—a chapter centered around her husband, her children, and, eventually, her grandchildren. These were the years when she truly flourished, finding purpose and happiness in the people she loved most and the countless ways she could care for them.

Family was at the heart of everything Marti did. Once her grandchildren came along, they quickly became the center of her world and a source of immeasurable joy. She loved sewing, especially quilting, and could often be found mending or creating something special for one of her children or grandchildren. Her love of cooking and baking was unmatched; her pies and Christmas cookies were legendary among those lucky enough to enjoy them. She found equal pleasure in working in the yard and sharing the harvest from her garden, apple trees, and blueberry bushes. And whenever she had the chance, Marti was on the road visiting her children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and anyone else she could squeeze into her busy calendar. To her Niles family, she was often described as the glue—the person who kept everyone connected, cared for, and, most importantly, loved.

Marti lived a full and meaningful life—one defined by strength, kindness, resilience, charisma, and an abundance of love, all sprinkled with just the right amount of sass. Her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and undeniable “gift of gab” made for unforgettable stories, plenty of laughter, and countless memories that will be treasured forever. Whether you knew Marti as a friend, a family member, or both, there is no doubt you have a favorite story to tell. You might find yourself smiling as you remember her Country Club days, her Easter Bunny antics, Halloween parties, Christmas fondue, and the countless other moments that made time with Marti so memorable. She had a way of turning ordinary moments into stories worth telling—and those stories will keep her spirit alive for generations to come.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales in Galesburg, IL. In lieu of flowers, Marti would hope that her loved ones honor her memory in the way she would have wanted—with a can of Diet Pepsi or a great cup of coffee in hand, surrounded by the people you love most. Take the time to sit, laugh, share a story, and enjoy one another’s company. After all, those simple moments spent together were some of life’s greatest gifts—and the kind of moments Marti cherished most. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.