"My aunt was a very kind loving person Iam sorry for our loss please forgive our sins and help us find peace in our hearts in the lords loving name AMEN "
In loving memory of
Romona Baxter
June 26, 1932 - May 28, 2012
Romona June (Gitchell) Baxter was born on June 26, 1932 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the daughter of Robert Bruce and Sylvia Leona (Browning) Gitchell. Romona passed away on Monday, May 28, 2012, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Romona spent her entire life in the community of Shenandoah. It is here where she attended school, and as her family says, she received her "Masters in Motherhood." On September 13, 1948 she was united in marriage to Donald Lee Baxter in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Romona worked many jobs throughout her life. From shining shoes, serving ice cream at Spencer's Grocery Store and as a young girl she ran an elevator for her aunt and uncle in Minneapolis one summer. Even as a young girl she helped her mother run errands downtown and get the ice from the ice house. She also worked at Mt. Arbor Nurseries, Henry Fields, the Liquor Store, Safeway, and cared for her mother and father. In her later years she began working as a respite caregiver, caring for many in the community. She will be greatly missed.
Romona was a caring, loving and respectful woman. Her passion was her children and taking care of others. She was always there for her friends and family when they needed her most. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was currently serving as deacon. She enjoyed reading, learning about history and entertaining family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Margie, Frances and Corrine; a brother Ronald; and a great-grandson Paul Daniel.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children Jack Baxter and wife Jacque of Shenandoah, IA, Danna York and husband Perry of Waverly, NE, John Baxter and wife Julie of Shenandoah, IA, Darla Bowers of Shenandoah, IA, Debra Baxter of Waverly, NE and Jay Baxter and wife Tracy of Platte City, MO; her grandchildren Joel Baxter, Jennifer Baxter, Carrie York, Amy McDonald, Megan Haring, Anna Baxter, Scott Gilbert, Robert Baxter, Madison Gilbert, Camron Gilbert, Jaymie Bowers, Chris Bowers, Cole Adkisson, Chase Baxter, Kate Baxter and Sam Baxter; great-grandchildren Lily York, Grace, Faith, Hope and Mercy McDonald, Jordyn Bowers, Jacob Bond, Jersey Bowers, Ella Baxter, Aubrey Roloff and Nathan Miller; other relatives and friends.
Tributes
"John and family, Jack and family. I am sorry to hear of your loss, my the God of comfort be with you during this time. Blessings"
"May these words recorded at Isaiah 25:8 be of much comfort to you and your family during this time of deep sorrow. "He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces. And the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken |it|," "New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures""
"Romona was the gentlest, kindest lady and the perfect companion for our grandmother Estelle Archie for like 9 years starting in her home at the end of Maple St. and then at Elm Heights for years. She made our consciences always feel better as a consistent person who NEVER stirred-up any trouble or drama all those years for us. Darla your mother reminded me of you alot and hope this loss is bearable for you and your siblings. "
"We extend our sincere condolences to the family. Irene knew and worked for her. We each knew different members of the family. She will be missed for always. We have you all in our prayer."
"To the Baxter family, may you hold onto the special memories to help get you through you sadness. You all know that Mona is looking down on everyone and some day with the grace of God you will be with her again. "
"Our heartfelt condolences to The Baxter Family from The Meyerholtz Family"
"My mother, Frances Miller Beckett Stevens, asked that I send sympathies to all the Baxter family. Mom was always so pleased with the great care Ramona gave to her sister, Esther Williams. Mother(Frances) also remembers that Ramona's mother in law was a special friend to her mother, Louella Miller. I believe that the Baxter's worked for Alva Miller on the farm years ago - just east of Norwich. Ramona had all of us for a wonderful lunch at her home after Esther died. Ramona was good to everyone! Sincerely, Janet Beckett Witt-daughter of Frances."
"To all of the Baxter Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. God's Blessing to everyone."
"So many fun childhood memories of your family. Those memories last a lifetime, know you will cherish yours. My love to all of you - what a special family! "
"To the Baxter Family...we give all of you our heartfelt sympathies. I really thought your mom was quite strong and I admired her fortitude by getting through the tough times. You all meant the world to her...and she was proud of each and everyone one of you. Gil remembers that Mona did not appreciate getting John in trouble. I think she got over that...but fun stories all the same. Remember all the love she had for you."
"Romona was a very special friend to my mom in all their church activities together. Now they are together! I always enjoyed visiting with her at church. She was a dear, sweet lady. My sincere sympathy to you and your family."
"Our family will always remember Mona with great love. She was a wonderful person, who selflessly gave her time and energy to our loved ones, allowing them to remain at home in comfort and contentment. Our hearts are with you as you face this time of grief."
"Baxter family, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Romona. I hope in the days and weeks to come you all find peace. I will be thinking of you all "
"Romona was such a wonderful and caring lady. I always enjoyed seeing her at church and liked visiting with her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to all the family. Terry Stafford"
"Baxter Family, How sorry I am that your mother passed away. She was such a loving woman, mother and caregiver. She will remain in my thoughts and you will be in my prayers."