Beverly Ann Baxter

Bev was born on June 10, 1935 to Robert and Frances (Schoch) Ellwanger in Peoria. She married William Charles Baxter on February 20, 1965 at the First Methodist Church in Peoria. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1969.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, LeVonne Hermes; and brother, Robert J. Ellwanger, Jr.

She was a 1953 graduate of Woodruff High School in Peoria.

Bev worked for 32 years at Caterpillar, retiring in 1992. She started at the Caterpillar Credit Union (now CEFCU) and finished in the Accounts Payable Division of Caterpillar.

As a single mother, Bev put her daughter’s needs before her own and did her best to provide for and support her in whatever she was doing. Even after a full day’s work, she was never too tired to spend quality time with Brenda. They were the best of friends. She was also the aunt who was always the one to sit on the floor and play games with the kids at the family gatherings. She remained a kid at heart until the very end.

In her younger years, Bev enjoyed roller skating and traveling around the country. Later in life, one of Bev’s favorite hobbies was bowling. She was a member of the USBC and the 600 Club, and spent over 45 years bowling in different leagues in the Peoria area. In many of those leagues she was voted in as a treasurer. At home, she enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. It was not uncommon to see her sitting in her favorite chair with a crossword puzzle book on her lap and a dictionary within arm’s reach. She also enjoyed watching all of the birds and woodland creatures that came to visit the backyard.

Brenda would like to give a special thank you to her partner, Debi Jones, for helping take such good care of her mom the past 3 years.

There will be no visitation. Bev’s graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to TAPS or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be left for Bev’s family at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.