Martha Jane Hixon

Martha Jane Ploch Spencer Hixon was a kind, generous, gentle and happy woman, who devoted her life to her family, particularly her daughter Ann. With an unwavering ability to compromise, Jane exhibited true and complete love for Ann, and the two of them shared a bond that made them friends as well as mother and daughter.

The year 1919 was a triumphant year for the United States. As the Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, which incorporated President Woodrow Wilson’s Covenant of League of Nations, the world moved closer to terminating World War I. Although the US citizens celebrated the signing of the treaty, no champagne corks were popped as the war came to an end, and America adopted the 18th amendment prohibiting alcohol. Though there was certainly a lot of excitement in 1919 for Carl and Maude (Poynter) Ploch of Indianapolis, Indiana, the greatest news was the February 3 birth of their daughter Martha Jane in that same year.

Growing up as one of two daughters in Indianapolis, Jane and her sister Virginia had a wonderful childhood. As the girls grew, they became very close friends. Jane remembered venturing downtown with her sister when she was only twelve-years old. Together they would purchase delicious ice cream cones for only a nickel a piece. During their childhood, their father was a banker and Chairman of the Board at Speedway Savings & Loan. Eventually, he became a founder and executive of Jefferson National Life. While Carl worked, their mother Maude stayed home with the girls in order to provide them with a stable and happy childhood. From an early age, it was apparent that Jane was a smart child and she loved school at Indianapolis Public School #70. A dedicated student, at a time when many young women were dropping out of school after the eighth grade, Jane continued her education at Shortridge High School. Following her graduation in 1936, she attended Butler University and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.

As Jane grew into a lovely young woman, she continued to love life in Indiana, and enjoyed going to church. Jane's faith remained important to her throughout her entire life; therefore, it is not surprising, that she met her future first husband one Sunday while at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Jane was immediately taken by the young Arnold Tevis Spencer, and the couple soon began dating. Following a traditional courtship, the lovebirds married in November of 1941. After the marriage, the newlyweds worked to build a home and family together and on August 2, 1943 they welcomed their daughter Ann into their lives. From the moment she was born, Ann was very special to Jane. As Ann grew, she began to admire her mom for her complete devotion and love.

At the time of Ann's birth, the couple lived with the Ploch's on Washington Blvd. Tevis was in the service fighting for his country. Following his discharge, he took a Public Relations job with Indiana Bell Telephone Company, while Jane cared for Ann. The couple diligently saved their money, and eventually they were able to move into their own home on the north side of Indianapolis. After settling in their new neighborhood, the family became active members of the Second Presbyterian Church, where Jane served as a member of the church's Rehm Guild. The family loved their house in Windcombe, which they made their home for 33 years. Jane loved to care for the home in all respects. She liked keeping house and especially enjoyed cooking for her family. She was an excellent cook, and Ann remembered her special spaghetti casserole, which was a family favorite. The Spencer family was very close, and together they enjoyed many train trips to New York and Florida as well as riverboat cruises on the Mississippi Queen.

During Jane's life with Tevis, the couple frequently double dated with their good friends Ed and Lue Hixon. The couples were avid bridge players and were very good friends. The Spencer's would often invite the Hixon's for dinner, and Jane would make her special broccoli with hollandaise sauce, which Ed hated! Despite their culinary differences, the two remained friends. Unfortunately, the double dates ended when Tevis passed away in 1987. Only seven years later, Lue died in 1995. Devastated from losing their spouses, Jane and Ed were both very lonely. Luckily, however, they were able to find comfort in each other. As time passed, their friendship blossomed further, and on January 8, 1997, they started a new life together. The couple was married in a small wedding in the Milner Chapel at Second Presbyterian Church. Though the ceremony was simple, it was very memorable. It seems that when the minister asked Ed to produce the ring, he couldn't find it! Despite the minor setback, the couple happily started their lives together.

Two years following the wedding, the couple moved to Marquette Manor in 1999. Jane enjoyed life in the senior community, and together she and Ed met many friends and continued to do the things they loved. Jane was a very active and generous person and served as a board member for the Indianapolis Retirement Home for over 20 years.. She especially loved her years at Marquette, because she was able to relax and enjoy the things she loved. She was a good gardener and relished the time she was able to spend in her yard. Often times, however, she would simply enjoy relaxing while listening to jazz music. She had always loved jazz, and fondly remembered the days she spent listening to local musicians in New Orleans. A music lover, she also liked to watch the Lawrence Welk Show. No matter what she did, however, her heart was always with her daughter Ann, and the two would often talk several times a day.

After 85 years filled with love, Martha Jane passed away on July 28, 2004. She was widowed to Arnold Tevis Spencer who preceded her in death in 1987. Survivors include her husband, Edward Hixon; daughter, Ann T. Spencer; nephew, Robert A. Reeder; step-children, Craig Hixon, John Hixon, Linda Berghold; nine step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren. Friends and family will gather on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. Funeral services to celebrate her life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in the Milner Chapel at Second Presbyterian Church. You are invited to visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may read Jane's Life Story, share a personal memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the church or the Indianapolis Retirement Home.

Jane was an exceptionally kind woman, who was fortunate to find true love and companionship twice in her life. A dear and devoted mother, she will be missed greatly by her friend and daughter Ann, who always admired her mother's unconditional love.