Maria Mercedes Higer, 41, passed away on July 23, 2026 in Boone County. She was born June 11, 1985 to Douglas Aaron Sanders in Lafayette, IN. She married William “Bill” Joe Higer on August 1, 2006, and he survives.
Maria was a 2004 graduate of Clinton Prairie High School. She attended Ivy Tech and went on to receive her BA in Nursing from Purdue University. She was a volunteer EMT with the Colfax EMS. Maria worked as an RN for Witham Hospital for many years before she became a breast cancer warrior. Maria enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.
Surviving are her husband Bill, her daughters Kate Mercedes Higer and Eryn Margaret Higer, both of Colfax, and sister Amanda (Nick) Rothenberger of Michigantown.
She was preceded in death by her father Douglas Sanders, and her grandparents Howard and Mercedes Ferguson.
In accordance with Maria’s wishes, her body was donated to IU Medical for science research. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 12 noon at her home. Inurnment will be at a later date at Plainview Cemetery. Goodwin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Higer family. Memorials may be made to the family for the benefit of the children’s college funds. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may share a condolence with the family.