Evelyn M. Baxter

Evelyn M. Baxter, 91, of Willard died Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Willard Mercy Hospital. She was born December 26, 1924 at the family farm in Richland Township the daughter of Earl and Anna (Ebbinger) Shade. Evelyn started helping on the family farm at a young age, it was her responsibility to milk the cow prior to leaving for school. She attended at the one room school house on Section Line 30 until seventh grade and went on to become a 1943 graduate of Willard High School. Evelyn worked as a stockwoman at Stockley’s Grocery and alongside her sister Vi at Pioneer Rubber. On October 26, 1952 she married Kenneth Baxter, he preceded her in death on March 25, 2007. She continued the traditions her parents instilled to her and called the family to dinner with a bell, meals were served promptly at noon and 6:00P.M.

It can be said that her greatest accomplishment was her family as an active farm wife and homemaker she successfully carried on the rich traditions of four generations through only seven members. She found beauty in all of nature, the chatter of the chickens she raised, the tranquility of walks with her dogs and grandson through the woods, harvesting the fruits of her labor in her gardens and canning her crops. Evelyn found relaxation of the hum of the lawnmower as she manicured her lawn. In fact, her only regret as of late was that she had yet to obtain and use a classic push reel mower. “Grandma Farm” was often right next to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren playing on the kitchen floor where field corn was always an acceptable form of entertainment in later years, she was happy to spectate and supervise as they rode their go-karts and four wheelers throughout her front yard. A visit to her house was always rewarded with a parting snack of Chips Ahoy, Oreos or Rold Gold Pretzels.

Surviving is her son Ray (Monica) Baxter of Willard, OH; grandchildren Troy and Laura; great-grandchildren Morgan and Tyler; siblings Vi Snook, Mil Sweet, Robert and Carol Shade, Herb and Marilyn Shade and sister-in-law Pauline Shade. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter Joyce and siblings Charlie, Earnest, Willard, Dalton Shade and in-laws Aldene, Thelma, Grace, Henry Sweet and Richard Snook.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 24, 2016 from 4-6P.M. at Lindsey-Kocher Funeral Service, 323 Myrtle Ave, Willard, OH. Services will begin at 6:00P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home with Pastors David Horst and Elvin Fox of the Huron Valley Mennonite Church officiating. Private burial will take place at Greenfield Cemetery, Steuben. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, with intentions of support to the nursing staff at Willard Mercy Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lindseykocher.com

Arrangements under the direction of Lindsey Kocher Funeral Services, Willard, OH.