Patsy Estelle Baxter

Patsy Estelle Baxter, longtime resident of Houston, Texas died and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a courageous two-year battle with ovarian cancer on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Patsy was born September 24, 1932 in Marlin, Texas to Theodore Adolphus Cantwell and Effie Beatrice Archer. She graduated from Aldine Senior High School in Houston in 1950 where she maintained an active relationship with her fellow alumni for over 50 years.

Patsy began her working career as a professional secretary supporting executives at several Houston area companies including Brown & Root and Houston Title Company. In 1954 she joined Raleigh A. Smith Builders, where for 18 years she was responsible for preparing the deeds for hundreds of new homes in the Hidden Valley subdivision. Subsequently she obtained her real estate license and sold homes through the Ben Goolsby agency. When Conn’s Appliances planned to enter the Houston market, Patsy jumped on the opportunity and convinced management to hire her as a retail sales consultant despite not having had any prior retail sales experience. Over her 18-year career at Conn’s, Patsy sold hundreds of appliances to families across north Houston setting sales records, mentoring new associates, delighting customers and making life-long friendships.

Her faith in the Lord was very important to her. She was confirmed at Our Redeemer Lutheran church in Houston in 1950. In 1968 she became a charter member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran church where she maintained an active membership until her passing. Patsy also enjoyed her longstanding friendships with her friends in the Red Hat Society and TOPS groups attending monthly meetings and conventions. She also enjoyed hosting large family dinners, playing card games and Texas 42.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Travis Avery Cantwell Sr., first husband of 19 years Daniel William Krueger and their infant son, David Lee Krueger. Patsy is survived by her second husband of 43 years Curtis A. Baxter of Houston, two sons, Mark Krueger and wife Ann of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and James Krueger of Tyler, Texas. She is also survived by two grandsons Andrew and Jonathan Krueger of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sister-in-law Debbie Cantwell, nephew Travis Avery Cantwell, Jr., nieces Paula Jean Cantwell, Traci Cantwell, Beth Cantwell, all of Houston and Lisa Robertson of Dallas, TX, and aunts Sybil Tate of Greensboro, NC and Juanita Flynt of Fort Worth, TX. Patsy is survived also by stepchildren, Lynda Jeanne Wallace and husband Jim of Fredericksburg, TX, Charlotte Mabry and husband Mike of Teague, TX, and Curtis Baxter Jr. of Houston, 6 step grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren, and 2 step great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2015 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas 77060. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday May 23, 2015 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 161 West Road, Houston , TX 77037, (281) 445-2203 with The Rev. Russell Strimple presiding. Pallbearers are Travis Cantwell, Barry Baxter, Garland Krueger, Dennis Turnipseed, Tom Charlton, Dale Harrison, and Joe Stanley. Interment will proceed immediately following the service at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery. Following the burial service, there will be a reception in Room C back at the Church. The family suggests that memorial donations may be made to The Memorial Fund of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org