Janice N. Baxter's Obituary
Janice Nye Baxter slipped away into God's loving arms February 5, 2013. She was born March 24, 1927, in Tacoma, Washington, to Farlin and Josephine Nye.
Jan was educated at Stadium High School (Class of 1945,) and Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, (Class of 1949) where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and Mortar Board. For a period following graduation, Jan was employed at Rhodes Department Store in downtown Tacoma. She continued her studies with a Masters Degree from Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts. Jan then worked for several years at UCLA in Los Angeles, California, where she served as an associate of the Dean of the College of Applied Arts. Jan also taught for a year at Lincoln High School.
At a party hosted by friends during the Christmas Holidays in 1954 Jan met William Baxter. They were each attracted to the other, and were married on June 18th, 1955, beginning fifty-eight loving years together. They honeymooned in Bermuda, and returned to Tacoma to begin their long, happy life together. They were blessed with three children: Ann, John, and Bill, Jr.. Jan dedicated her efforts from that time forward to raising their children and volunteering in the Tacoma community. In addition to serving as Wife and Mom, birthday party coordinator, Holiday party hostess, Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader, she was deeply involved in many, more widely recognized, causes in Tacoma. Jan was not only a member of Junior League, Aloha, and the Board of Tacoma Day Nursery, but also served as President of each of those organizations. Further, Jan was a member of the Board of Lakewold Gardens and a member of the Tacoma Garden Club. She also served as the Vice President of Cub Scouting for the Mt. Rainier Council, Boy Scouts of America, and earned the Silver Fawn, a National Scout Award, in December, 1973 for her service to Scouting in this area.
Jan is survived by her loving husband, Bill, Sr.; her three children John, Ann and Bill, Jr.; Bill Jr.'s wife, Laura; granddaughters Jacqueline and Katie Baxter, and their mother, K. Ellen Baxter (Brian Herman); step-grandchildren, Erin Craig and Joshua Bashline; sister-in-law Nancy Baxter, widow of Nelson (Bud) Baxter (Bill Sr.'s brother,) and many cherished nieces and nephews; cousin, Erwin Horton; and Rita Horton; along with other cousins and very close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Farlin and Josephine Nye; her aunt, Doris Hedger; and cousin, Robert Horton.
For those who knew her, Jan was an extraordinary friend, mentor, teacher and confidante. Her service and commitment to friends, family and the greater Tacoma community will long be remembered and cherished.
The family would especially like to recognize the special care and concern shown by the Hospice staff.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 23rd, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 909 North J Street, in Tacoma, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, any memorial donations considered may be made in Jan's name to one of her favorite charities, Relay for Life (American Cancer Society,) 1313 Broadway, Ste. 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 for medical research work in the field of cancer, or to other local organizations of the donor's choice.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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