Beca Jo Nix, 55

Beca Jo Nix, née Boettcher, of Custer, died in her sleep Sunday, March 2, 2025, from complications of stage IV ovarian cancer.

She was born Aug. 4, 1969, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point to Frank and Marilyn Boettcher, née Mlsna. She attended St. Paul Lutheran School, P.J. Jacobs Junior High, and Stevens Point Area Senior High, graduating in 1987. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where she graduated in 1992.

An avid competitor with a zest for life, Nix was active in basketball and track during her school years, later expanding her pursuits to volleyball, mountain biking, scuba diving, skiing, golfing, and triathlons. She had a love of travel that began with a semester abroad in London during college and eventually took her to nearly all 50 states.

Her greatest passion was her horses and barrel racing. She began horseback riding at an early age on her family farm, competing in local shows before advancing to the Little Britches and Wisconsin High School Rodeo associations. She earned buckles in barrel racing, pole bending, calf roping, and goat tying events.

Nix went on to earn her professional card from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, where she was a member for more than 25 years, including serving as the Great Lakes Circuit director. In that role, she hosted the Circuit Finals in Kentucky and attended the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. She was passionate about mentoring others in their horse-related pursuits, hosting training sessions, volunteering at local rodeos, lending tack, caring for injured horses, and offering guidance. She and her Australian shepherd, Sophie, were well-known on the rodeo circuit.

After more than 20 years in the life insurance industry, Nix retired to devote herself full-time to her horses.

She married Don Nix in 1994 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and together they raised their daughter, Bailey. She is survived by her husband, daughter, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Boston Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steven Hulke presiding. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The family will donate memorials to the Amherst Saddle Club, which sponsors the Amherst rodeos.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Missouri for her rodeo community.