Patricia Ruth Wixom (nee McMillin, August 8, 1928) of Maryville, Tennessee passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026. A dedicated Quaker, she embraced and embodied the meaning and the peacefulness of the Society of Friends, joining Kennett Square, London Grove, Columbia and Knoxville Friends Meetings at various times. Her parents, Colonel James Myron and Everett Iola moved almost every two years to various Army posts, notably to Hawaii where her family endured the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pat had an amazing life, graduating from Radcliffe College, earning a Ph.D in Chemistry from University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign, and then marrying Ronald Saxton. Pat is survived by their nine children, Bradley, Linda, Arnold, Laura, Barton, Walter, Elna, Cora and Charles. After raising her children, she continued her great love for science and learning by earning a second Ph.D. in Neurobiology. She married Robert Wixom, and worked as a research technician at University of Missouri - Columbia. She is survived also by Robert's sons, David and Richard; and by her brother James' son Vladimir.

Reflecting her peaceful core values, she volunteered for many projects to benefit society, in particular working with prisoners as part of the Alternatives to Violence Project. Pat touched everyone she knew with her quiet smile, her gentle nature, her inquisitive mind. A great lover of nature, she hiked, canoed, and camped, spending time outdoors whenever possible. Even at the end, she delighted in daily walks around her Shannondale retirement community, weather permitting, to relish nature and the open air. In keeping with her love of and hopes for the natural world, she has chosen a natural burial, at Narrow Ridge Burial Preserve on February 13th. Memorial donations can be made to Heifer Foundation, Technoserve or American Friends Peace Teams, helping others help themselves. May Peace be with Pat, and with us all.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.