Cynthia J. Bixler

December 7, 2018 was a joyous day in heaven as Cynthia June Bixler was welcomed into her eternal home.

Born June 22, 1942, Cynthia was a beloved daughter of Iradell W. and Charlene M. (Blauch) Bear. During the polio outbreak in the 1950’s, she developed severe Scoliosis and, at the young age of 15, following several major surgeries, was required to wear a full body cast for a year, and a body brace for the following six months.

Yet throughout this difficult period of time, Cynthia maintained stellar grades and developed dear friendships. Her rare beauty, pearly skin, and delicate nature were apparent to all throughout the long periods of medical care.

When she was nominated to serve as a congressional aide in Washington, D.C, she instead chose to begin her life’s journey with the love of her life, Dalton “Duke” Bixler. Their 56-year love affair began after high school, and flourished in Columbus as Cynthia attended Columbus Business School and began her professional career as an executive assistant for a major land developer in the community.

Cynthia and Duke married September 22, 1962, and were blessed with two, beautiful and talented daughters, Anita Bixler Davis and Jennifer Bixler Kohler. Cynthia was a devoted wife, mother, and sister, caring for her family with excellence and love while following several unique career paths. She excelled as a Tupperware dealer and later served as a valued consultant for the Longaberger Basket Company, training their staff on the best way to market baskets.

In 1980, Duke and Cynthia began a new venture, using their creative talents to build Breitenbach Wine Cellars and Der Marktplatz, a business which would become world-renowned. Yet, as the business flourished, Cynthia’s priorities remained constant: to love, teach, and guide her children and grandchildren through the love of God and to always extend a hand of generosity and compassion.

Cynthia and Duke generously supported numerous Christian causes as well as their church, NewPointe Community Church in Dover. Their business success provided their opportunity to travel throughout most of the United States and abroad. Cynthia always remarked that each country was unique and expanded her horizons, but most notably, enabled her to create friendships at every destination.

She knew no strangers, and often was invited to spend the night and meet extended family members of individuals she met along her journey. Her inquisitive nature of a Japanese artist, led to a dear friendship with the artist and her parents, and lifelong friendships were developed in Austria and other visited countries.

Her spirit of hospitality spread through her home as well, as Cynthia was always eager to prepare and serve delicious meals on her favorite antique dinnerware. She had a tremendous eye for beauty and expressed it in many ways.

There will be no place her family may travel, that won’t hold a fond memory of her. Cynthia will be deeply missed and dearly treasured by her husband, Duke; her daughters, Anita (Brinley) Davis and Jennifer (Scott) Kohler, both of Dover; her grandchildren, Gaston and Elayna Kohler, and Jonathan and Abigail Davis; and her siblings, Barbara (Richard) Douthitt and Deanna Bear, both of Dover, Marcia Troyer of Sugarcreek, and Gloria Bear of Dover.

In addition to her parents, Cynthia was preceded in passing by her beloved grandson, Zachary Davis on November 12, 2005; and her brother, Daniel “Dan” Bear on September 18, 2006.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Tool Shed, 5773 Old Rte. 39 NW, Dover, Ohio 44622. Pastor Dwight Mason will officiate a funeral service in NewPointe Community Church, 3950 OH-39, Dover, on Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery at Sugarcreek.

Friends are invited to The Tool Shed following the committal service where a reception will be held.

Memorial contributions in Cynthia’s memory may be directed to the Zachary Davis Memorial Fund, PO Box 543, Dover, Ohio 44622, Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231, or Doctors Without Borders, PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD, 21741-5030.