Mildred Evelyn Baxter

Mildred Evelyn Baxter, age 101, of Palisade, NE passed away at her home in Palisade on November 16, 2020.

Mildred was born October 10, 1919 in Hickman, NE to parents Guy and Lillie (Wissell) Birt.  She was one of four children born to this union.  Mildred attended school in Hickman, graduating as Valedictorian of the Class of 1937.  She then went on to attend the University of Nebraska where she obtained her teaching certificate.

Mildred married the love of her life, Viron Baxter, on June 2, 1942 in Hickman. The couple made their home in Palisade, Viron’s hometown, where Mildred taught elementary school before becoming the proud parents of four children; Judith Ann was born in 1944 while Viron was in Italy during WWII, Barbara Jean was born in 1946, Patricia Louise in 1951 and David Eugene in 1954.  Mildred also worked at the Frenchman Valley Bank, retiring in 1986.

Mildred’s earliest childhood memories included losing her mother at the age of three and her twin brother a short time before, walking a mile and a half to school each day, milking cows and picking cherries and mulberries.

Mildred was a member of the United Methodist Church in Palisade.  She loved to sing and direct the choir and sang many solos in various events over the years.  She was active in Eastern Star as well as other masonic organizations and community clubs, which included Girl Scouts and Club Scouts. Mildred will be remembered as a fantastic baker. She decorated many birthday cakes over the years and baked delicious pies with the best crusts.  Mildred was a certified EMT, she sewed lots of clothes for her kids over the years, she loved to travel, read books, listen to audio books and most of all, she loved spending time with her family.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; step mothers, Emma Birt in 1945 and Florence Birt in 1988; her husband, Viron Baxter in 2015; twin brother, Milton Birt; and her two sisters, Eileen Birt and Myra Williams.

Those left to celebrate her life include her children, David (Debi) Baxter of Driggs, ID, Judith (Darrel) Wissmann of Bertrand, NE, Barbara (Jon) Reilly of Omaha, NE and Patricia (Gerald) Post of Palisade; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.