Rian Marie Fix, 22 years old from Manistique, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

She was born on March 26, 2004, in Belleville, Illinois, and is the daughter of Erich and Margaret Fix. Rian grew up in Troy, Illinois, and went to CA Henning Elementary School with her brother, Alexander Joiner, until she moved to the upper Peninsula of Michigan with her parents when she was 13.

For the past nine years, Rian thrived. She was always ready for an adventure. She chose a side-by-side as her make-a-wish, and she loved sitting under the trees and looking up at the leaves dance in the sky. She became a bird nerd and was fascinated by flowers and their petals. She loved music and she was so funny, always the first to laugh when we messed up singing the lyrics. Rian adored her father, saving all her best smiles for him. She would happily let him switch her TV from Doodlebops to snowmobiling.

Rian was born with Rett syndrome. Her genuine smile and expressive eyes communicated straight to the heart. Ezekiel 36:26… “I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” She proved that spoken words aren’t needed. In 22 years she never said one, still she was a teacher who taught us to be courageous, patient, and kind—all skills she mastered at a very young age. She showed us that being stubborn can be a good trait when someone has to fight for their own independence. Rian was beloved by her siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We will gather at a later date to celebrate her life. For now, we can practice some of Rian’s best lessons: be still, be silent, and be generous with your smiles.