Helen Irene Baxter

Baxter, Helen Irene., 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, December 25, 2014. She was born August 31, 1926 to Elwood and Margaret (Burnell) Conrad in Derby, KS.

Helen graduated from Derby High School in 1945. She married Myron Schwartz in 1946 and had one son, Gary. She worked at Beech Aircraft as a secretary and Boeing as a Key Punch Operator. Helen married Gerald Baxter in 1961 and moved with him when his insurance business moved to Rome, GA where they lived for 35 years. After Gerald’s death, she moved back to Derby to be closer to her friends and family. Helen enjoyed sewing, knitting, and flower gardening and was a talented quilter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Baxter; infant son; and brothers, Ray Conrad and Jack Conrad.

Helen is survived by her son, Gary (Kerri) Schwartz; step-children, Mike (Cat) Baxter, Jeff (Martie) Baxter, Greg (Susan) Baxter, and Rebecca (Tiff) Magruder; siblings, Darlene Brown, Arlene Johnson, Paula (Ron) Corvin, and Woody (Mary) Conrad; granddaughter, Kelli (Brandon) Burleson; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her precious pet, Fondu.

Visitation: Tuesday, from 10 am to 1 pm. Funeral: 1 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2014; both at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS 67037. Interment to follow at White Chapel Cemetery in Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 324 N. Baltimore Ave., Derby, KS 67037 or the American Heart Association, 8630 E. 32nd Court N., Wichita, KS 67226.