Ema Laura Wolfard Bixler
Ema Laura Wolfard Bixler, 90, of Laramie, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.
Ema was born on July 16, 1930 in Laramie WY. Her parents, Adrian and Mabel (Dumford) Wolfard welcomed her to their family which also included a brother and three sisters. She grew up on the Elite Hereford Ranch outside of Encampment WY. Ema (pronounced with a long E as there is only one M) loved life. She helped raise the Herefords and learned many skills from both her father and mother.
Learning to cook, sew, play the piano, and sing but most of all, to have faith in God. She married Charles Ross on September 9, 1951, at the Presbyterian Church of Encampment, the Bixler’s lived in Saratoga and had two daughters, but moved to Denver CO for a short while. They then moved to Laramie. While Charles worked for the University of Wyoming as a computer operator, Ema stayed at home raising their two girls and added another girl soon after. Yet during that time, she was very active in the Presbyterian Church: including Sunday school teacher; secretary and coalition member for Church Women United; she held many roles, including President, of the Wyoming Ministries in Higher Education; college student leader; cook, director, and counselor for the Skyline Church Camp (as well as Camp Story up by Sheridan, WY); and lay leader.
She loved playing cards and reading, but most of all she loved the outdoors and enjoyed her backyard—actually any of the yards they had. In Laramie, her family enjoyed planting a garden including potatoes, corn, peas, green beans, horseradish and various types of squash, but Ema loved transplanting trees like aspens, pines, and many others. The yard even had a crab apple tree and golden delicious apple tree outside of the windows of South side of the house, enjoyed by Ema’s mother who had moved in with the Bixler’s.
From her many excursions around Wyoming she gathered an assortment of rocks – flat ones for stepping stones and larger ones that you could sit in the sun on. If you are ever in Encampment, stop by the cemetery and enjoy sitting on just one of those rocks in memory of her and Charles.
Ema had a green thumb: she enjoyed her houseplants—many colored Christmas cactuses; a Night Blooming Cereus; African violets; and aloe vera plants too (those helped with sunburns and rashes her children always seemed to be getting – okay, maybe just her youngest daughter). Flowers, tomatoes and strawberries were planted around their back patio and she loved to cut Irises, Daffodils, and Tulips for her mother as well as fresh tomatoes and strawberries. Ema loved Orchids too, when given a plant, she could keep them growing (in the house).
Ema was always surrounded by others, and yet during her last years, she seemed to enjoy the solitude of their home and company of Charles and family.
We will always remember her laugh, her smile, and her quiet strength. God Bless you all and say “I love you” to those that matter.
Rest in Peace Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend.
Per Ema’s request no services will be scheduled. In lieu of flowers and cards consider making memorial donations to Hospice of Laramie.
Love You Grandmother! One of my very first memories was at Aunt Eunice's home (I was petting her cats, Grandma took a polaroid of that moment when I was 3). Another great memory was a Skyline trip. Recall the towering height of the "A" frame style cabins, remembering the pain of my first "tick" removal from my leg she performed, the hundreds of prairie dog holes and trying to catch one (she told me it was going to be hard...it was impossible). Grandma also introduced me to cantaloupe, I did not like, but she sat with me and watched, well, encouraged me to finish it after everyone had left cafeteria...I love cantaloupe now. Another memory of her inventive ways was the sled she gave me to ride down the hills of the mountains off Hwy 130, she had me ride a frisbee. Of course there is playing canasta and the other board games with her & Grandpa, always a joy and challenging. I was blessed to have been able to spend some time with her last year for a few days. Debbie cleaned her garden up, I cleaned her backyard...she was happy for the help. I was also able to have taken a picture with her by this very old tree on the way to Saratoga off Hwy 130 that she was fond of. I miss her hugs, I will miss her witty replies, cute riddles, and beautiful smile when she happy or tickled about something. You will be missed, you will be loved, and will forever be in my heart Grandma Bixler! Thank you for everything you ever did for me to guide & teach me. Love You Grandmother!
I was so very saddened to hear of Ema's passing. She was a wonderful lady - I absolutely loved her smile and personality. Although I only knew her a short time (about 17 years) - I had a great relationship with her, and will miss her. All my best to her family and friends in these difficult and challenging times, Brad Jackson
Happy Mother's Day! I won't be able to explain how much you (Momma, Mother, Mom, & Grandmama) mean to me. I'm truly sorry that you were in so much pain and fear or sorrow. I want to send my deepest condolences to all of my mother's nieces and nephews and family. I hope that my Father (Papa, Dad, Daddy, Grandpapa, & Charles) knows how much I will miss you. I hope, too, that my two older sisters (Mabel & Ema C) know how much I love them and am here for them - I want to thank them for taking care of you (and Dad). My earliest memories are of our house on 7th - playing in the dirt with water - making mud pies, eating worms, and playing with cars/trucks. I also remember hiding or reading behind Dad's chair in the living room or playing under the dining room table. Do you remember that one Carol Burnett Show? You took a picture when Mabel & Ema were laughing and I was crying; I don't think I didn't understand the comedy at that time. And I remember visiting neighbors next to us (having tea, enjoying stories & their gardens and just visiting to ensure they were okay). Then we moved to the house on 24th; Grandma Wolfard (your Mother, Great-Grandma & Mabel) moved in with us - I loved having her with us. I believe she taught me how strong and resilient she, you and even I, could be. I remember sneaking into the living room when you had company - sitting in that corner/octagon shaped table or behind the big chair by the china cabinet - quietly listening and/or playing with Tupperware toy animals and blocks and cars/trucks too. I remember the times we traveled for Church meetings and you even taught me to drive that HUGE Plymouth Fury (the Turquoise tank). I miss Skyline Church Camp and the many times we were together there. You taught so many people about God, about Nature, about Kindness and Forgiveness. I hope that you know that I loved being with you there no matter what we were doing. If you don't know any of these songs, look them up - I find myself humming them for comfort, for understanding and for peace: Pass It On Go Tell It On The Mountain Here I Am This is the Day The Lord Has [Hath] Made Johnny Appleseed Fuzzy Wazzy was a Bear Jesus Loves Me ...and so many more. Do you remember the notes you kept or quotes of the day from the newspaper? Be kind to one another. Treat others like they were your sister, mother, or grandmother. Don't do anything you can't tell your mother about. Well, I wish things had been different - but it is a waste of time worrying, or playing the ""what-if"" game. I pray you have joined your family and friends who have passed away before you - I also pray you are at Peace and in no more pain. God Bless you Mom and God's Peace to all who knew you and loved you like I do.
Our sincere condolences from our family to yours. Ema was a strong, knowledgeable role model. We hope that her love of life lives on in your memories.
“She’s in the sun, the wind, the rain, she’s in the air you breath with every breath you take. She sings a song of hope and cheer, there’s no pain, no more fear. You’ll see her in the clouds above hear her whisper words of love, you’ll be together before long, until then listen for her song.” -unknown Grandmama, This reminds me of you and your passion for both God and the outdoors. I cannot believe it has been a week since you’ve been gone. I know you are watching upon all and I’m glad that you are at peace. I still remember playing cards and scrabble, time spent with you in the yard, gazing over flowers, and staring at the clouds. Oh, and of course picking strawberries, there was always strawberries. So many memories with you and yet I still feel like we had more to make. I remind myself you made it to ninety years old and spent sixty-nine years married to Grandpapa. The time you two spent together many milestones were made; three daughters, four grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and road trips to visit family. Then I remember everyone up in heaven that you get to see again and I smile a bit. Know I’m still missing you dearly, I’ll always remember you Grandmama, and have a piece of you in my heart. Sending my love from Wisconsin to all of my family.
The Moore family would like to offer our sincerest sympathy. Ema was a extraordinary lady and we will miss her deeply. Sending much Love to the Bixler Family and we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers until we can see you again and give you a proper hug.
Dear Bixler Family, I remember fondly Mr. and Mrs. Bixler from their time as our Sunday School teachers at the Presbyterian Church in Laramie. The gentle, patient kindness that they showed to all of us in those years really made an impact. My condolences to everyone. She was a special woman.
Diana and I wanted to reach out with our sympathy. Ant Ema always touched my heart with the strength she had in God. The goodness in her heart was felt by every one. Love you all Jim
Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. I remember the many times that we played cards with Aunt Ema, Uncle Charles, and scrabble with grandma. Wonderful memories. We love you all and our prayers are with you. Ercella