Leona E. (Potthoff) Baxter

Leona Elizabeth (Potthoff) Baxter, age 87, of Palisade, NE passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at her home in Palisade.

Leona was born July 17, 1933 on the family farm northwest of Beverly, NE to parents John and Amelia (Fries) Potthoff. She was one of five children born to this union.  Leona and her siblings grew up in Hitchcock County, attending country school and graduating from Palisade High School with the Class of 1950. Leona received her teaching certification and taught in the country schools.

On June 1, 1951, Leona married her sweetheart, Richard Baxter in Palisade where the couple made their home and were blessed with five children.

Leona enjoyed the years spent raising her children and will be remembered as the neighborhood mother.  Her fried chicken was a family favorite and she enjoyed baking for all to enjoy.  Leona was a history buff who enjoyed studying maps and was known as the family historian.  She was immersed in her community and loved attending her children and grandchildren’s activities.  Leona served as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, the AMVETS Auxiliary and was a Boy Scout Leader.  She was also an EMT for the Palisade Fire and Rescue as well as a member of the Palisade United Methodist Church.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard Baxter; son, James Baxter; infant sister, Lillian; and two brothers, Robert and Franklin Potthoff.

Those left to celebrate her life include her children, Richard “Alan” Baxter and Gary Baxter, both of Palisade, Beverly (Mike) Green and Linda (David) Buck, all of McCook, NE; brother, Henry (Janice) Potthoff of Carroll, IA; sister in laws, Betty Potthoff and Mildred Baxter, both of Palisade, and Kay (Bob) Green of Yuma, AZ; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends.