Barbara Jean Baxter

Barbara Jean Benfield Baxter, age 80, of Temperance, MI passed away Tuesday, October 27 after a brief illness. She was born on November 20, 1934 in Waterville, Kansas to George K. Benfield and Marian (McAtee) Benfield. She was baptized in the Waterville Methodist Church. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1952. She married Bill J. Reynolds in 1952. They had four beautiful children. Music was a guiding light in Barbara’s life. She studied piano, organ and voice with her Aunt Helen (McAtee) Davis for ten years. She graduated from Potsdam State University in New York in 1987 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Studies. She enjoyed teaching private piano lessons from 1950 until 1997. She was an organist and/or pianist in KS, OH, MA, NY, NC and MI from 1948 until her recent illness. She retired as a medical secretary-transcriptionist in 1995. That was the year the Lord arranged her marriage to Richard H. Baxter in Erie, Michigan. His four loving children helped make the transition a joy. Survivors include her husband and best friend, Richard Baxter; four devoted children and their spouses: Elizabeth (Greg) Kissner, Jennifer (Bob) Wenzke, John Reynolds from Ohio and Diana (Bradley) Martin from Michigan; her nine grandchildren Allison (Steve) Krzyminski, Melissa (Bo) Freeman, Theodore Emery, Diana Damschroder, Jessica (John) Hembree, Amanda (Gordon) Reed, Zachary Reynolds, Samantha Martin and Mitchell Martin; and her five step-grandchildren Kelly (Greg) Brooks, Gregory Kissner, Thomas (Laura) Wenzke, Elizabeth (Steve) Loeffler and Kathryn (Kyle) Mosakowski. Her youngest gifts from God are her great-grandchildren Charlie, Jack and Isla Krzyminski and Justin Hembree. She also has four beloved stepchildren and their precious spouses and families. Barbara’s life was blessed beyond measure. She allowed the Lord to gently guide her abundant life. She touched the lives of her family and friends through spirited prayer and daily emails that highlighted biblical scripture and a life message. Friends may call from 3:00 pm to 8 :00 pm, Friday, October 30, at Ansberg West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Avenue. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 31st at 11 am at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 2843 W Sterns Rd, Lambertville, MI. Burial will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

Barbara Jean Baxter

November 20, 1934 - October 27, 2015