Leix, Mary Frances (Biddick)

MONTFORT - Mary Frances (Biddick) Leix, age 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday December 25, 2025, at Upland Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation in Dodgeville, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 12, 1935, in Livingston, the daughter of Clarence and Mildred (Skaife) Biddick.

Mary graduated from Livingston High School and, shortly after, began working in the admissions department at UW Hospital in Madison. On July 25, 1953, Mary was united in marriage to Marion Leix at the Livingston United Methodist Church. Following their marriage, Mary devoted herself to her role as a loving mother and farmer’s wife, a responsibility she embraced with pride. She was a hard-working woman who believed deeply in the value of a full day’s work.

Always putting others before herself, Mary was known for her sharp mind and caring nature. Even on a busy working farm, her home was always immaculate, reflecting the pride she took in keeping things clean and organized. Mary opened her home for many family gatherings, each made special by her delicious array of main dishes and desserts. She enjoyed crocheting, word searches, and spending time on her iPad. Mary was fond of northern cardinals and decorated her home with keepsakes.  Her gardens were carefully planned and productive, yielding impressive harvests and beautiful flowers. She looked forward to weekly trips to the beauty parlor and catching up with friends and neighbors.  As an avid sports fan with a large and active family, Mary was a frequent spectator supporting activities from club level to college. She kept a detailed TV schedule of Badgers, Packers, and Brewers games and seldom missed a broadcast. 

Mary’s kind devotion stretched far beyond home and farm. She was an active member of the community, serving as treasurer for AMPI Women, Wisconsin Cattle Women, and U.M.Women. She was a faithful member of the Montfort United Methodist Church, where she could be counted on to help with anything that needed to be done. She was also a member of Wisconsin Master Farmers, Iowa County HCE, and the Red Hats. 

Mary enjoyed learning and sharing the history of the Biddick and Leix family trees, and also the Iowa-Grant school district and surrounding communities.  She had a remarkable genealogical memory going back generations, and was full of stories connecting people, places, and events.  

Mary’s life was defined by hard work, responsibility, and service to others. She believed in doing things the right way, no matter what, every time. Whether caring for her family or maintaining her home, supporting the farm or serving her church and community organizations, Mary could always be counted on. She never sought recognition but instead found purpose in being helpful to others. Her strong work ethic, generosity of time, and steady presence left a lasting mark on her family, her community, and all those who had the joy of knowing her. 

Mary is survived by six children: David (Karen) Leix of Waukesha; Donald (Cindy) Leix of Montfort; Patricia Leix Fish (Pete) of Cosby, MO; Thomas (Kelley) Leix of Zionsville, IN; Timothy (Kathy) Leix of Montfort; and Paula (Paul) Kosinski of Milwaukee. Mary is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Ross (Marta) Leix, Kyle (Emily) Leix, Brian (Morgan) Leix, Rachelle (Brandon) Dilley, Hollyce (Tyler) McLemore, Matthew (Taylor Werren) Leix, Kevin (Cassondra) Leix, Victoria (Joe) Bandoszeski, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Leix, Ivy (Matthew Nelson) Reynolds, and Alexandra Leix; 18 great-grandchildren: Baylee, Grady, Sawyer, Tucker, Britton, Taya, Waylyn, Kameron, Maxwell, Mason, Maizy, and Griffin Leix; Nyla, Boone, and Brynlee Dilley; Peyton and Penelope McLemore; and Jensen and Jordy Bandoszeski; sister Jane (Larry) Dolphin; brothers James Biddick and Joe (Marsha) Biddick; and brothers-in-laws: Ronnie Austin,  Charles (Ann) Leix, James Leix (Star Norini), and Russell (Lori) Leix; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marion; great granddaughter Hadlee; siblings: Nancy (Gordon) Krell, Madge (Ralph) Day, Mae Austin, Curtis Biddick; sisters-in-laws: Elaine Narveson, Linda (Elmer) Frederking, Linda Biddick, and Kris Leix; and special aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Montfort United Methodist Church in Montfort with burial to follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Montfort. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Mary and will be distributed to various organizations that were dear to her. Online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com.