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(Nov. 23, 1921 - Jan. 19, 2015)
Gwendolyn F. “Gwen” Baxter died Jan. 19, 2015, at the Powell Valley Care Center at the age of 93.
Gwen was born Nov. 23, 1921, to Harry G. and Harriet L. (Fogg) Jacobs on a farm east of Daykin, Neb. She was the third of seven children.
She graduated from high school in Western, Neb., with the class of 1938. Gwen taught school in rural Salina County, Neb., for three years.
She came to Powell in her little red coupe to join her family in May 1941. Gwen married LaVerne Baxter July 18, 1942. They had two children, Gary and Linda, both born in Powell.
When Gwen married Vern, he was serving in the Army Air Forces, and stationed in several Southern states. Gwen returned to Powell when Vern was transferred to Italy during WWII. After his service, they enjoyed camping, especially on the North Fork.
They also enjoyed traveling around the country in their RV. They took cruises and traveled outside the United States to several countries.
Gwen was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. She and Vern sang in the choir for many years. She was a 50-plus member of American Legion Auxiliary and Past Presidents Parley. She also hosted many Friendship Bible coffees in her home.
She was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed crocheting and embroidering and shared her beautiful creations with many. She celebrated her 80th birthday with a hot-air balloon ride in Billings.
Gwen worked in downtown Powell for many years at the Safeway Store, Bonner’s Variety, Eddie’s Shoe Store and Hunnicutt Jewelry.
Gwen volunteered for many years at the Powell Valley Care Center in the beauty shop, playing piano for the patient’s enjoyments and filling in wherever needed.
She was known as “Grandma B” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the neighborhood children on North Clark Street, where she and Vern resided for almost 50 years. Her great-grandchildren were a special joy to her.
As a widow, she lived at Heritage Park for several years and for a short time at Rocky Mountain Manor before entering the care center.
Gwen was preceded in death by her husband Vern; parents; brothers Kermit and Jewell (Jake) Jacobs; sister Belle Jones and grandson Shannon Ray Baxter.
She is survived by her two children, Gary (Patricia) Baxter of Powell and Linda (Jeff) George of Fort Collins, Colo.; sisters Patricia Jones and Barbara (Clarence) Werbelow of Powell; brother Larry (Carol) Jacobs, of Medford, Ore.; sister-in-law, Oma Jacobs of Powell; 10 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place per her wishes. A memorial service to celebrate Gwen’s life will be held at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23.
Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.
