Mildred Best

Mildred “Millie” C. Hixenbaugh Best, 97, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, hospitality, and music.

Born on March 4, 1928, in Buffalo, New York, Millie was the seventh of nine children born to Stephen and Clara (Kaczmarska) Todak. Raised in Toledo, Ohio, she attended Rosary Cathedral, graduated from Scott High School in 1946, and went on to study at the University of Toledo.

During her high school years, Millie met James F. Hixenbaugh, the love of her life. The two were married on May 20, 1950, and together they raised a devoted family. Millie and Jim created a joyful home, full of tradition and memories—family vacations, youth baseball games, and annual RV trips to college football games were highlights of their life together until Jim’s passing in 1981.

Millie worked at Roth Pontiac until the birth of her first son in 1955. Afterward, she focused on raising her family and supporting her husband’s accounting firm. Following Jim’s passing, she continued to work with her sons in the family business until her retirement in 1993.

In 1991, Millie married John M. Best Sr., and together they shared over 21 years of companionship and adventure. They traveled extensively, including a memorable trip to Hong Kong and multiple cruises. Millie delighted in exploring new places and sharing those experiences with those she loved.

Hospitality came naturally to Millie. She loved to cook and took joy in preparing meals and welcoming others into her home. For many years, she and her family hosted a lively “Oktoberfest” bratwurst party and a beloved Christmas Eve open house— featuring Tom and Jerry’s—bringing warmth and joy to generations of family and friends.

Millie was a woman of deep faith and active service. She was a longtime and devoted member of both St. Catherine and St. Pius X parishes, where she shared her voice in the church choir. Music was one of her greatest joys. She was a proud and enthusiastic member of the local Sweet Adelines chapter, traveling for both local performances and national competitions with her chorus sisters.

Millie will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength and devotion as a wife and mother, her joy-filled hospitality, and the music and faith that shaped her life. She gave herself fully to her family, her church, and her community—and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, tradition, and grace.

Millie is survived by her sons, James (Ellen) Hixenbaugh, and William Hixenbaugh; grandchildren, Todd (Meghan) Hixenbaugh, and Ryan (Arica) Hixenbaugh; great-granddaughters, Brynn and Sydney Hixenbaugh; step-children, Steve (Eileen) Best, and Gina Shiffert and Charlotte Best; step-grandchildren, Cameron, Lauren, Ashley, Patrick, Kristen, Ellen, Claire; great-step-granchildren, Mark, Ben, Lily, Chloe and JJ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, James F. Hixenbaugh, and John M. Best, Sr.; brothers, Edward, Robert, Jerome, Raymond, James, and Thomas; sisters, Genevieve, and Alice; and stepchildren, Julie, Patrick, and John Jr.

Visitation will take place at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6:30 pm -8:30pm, with a prayer service beginning at 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 27, at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2950 Ilger Ave, Toledo, OH. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Millie’s honor to St. Pius X Catholic Church or the Toledo Area Humane Society.