Barbara Ann Baxter

Jan. 12, 1937 - Aug. 13, 2013

Barbara Ann Baxter, 76, of Monmouth died Aug. 13.

She was born to Marvin and Thyra Heineman in Compton, Calif. Barbara graduated from Boulder City High School in Nevada.

She married Donald Baxter and they settled in Independence. They later moved to Monmouth.

Barbara was a hard worker and had a wide variety of experiences during her 76 years -- everything from attending to helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon to retiring in 1994 from Western Oregon University, where she was the alumni association director. She had worked for the college since 1966. After retirement she served as a Monmouth City Council member until her health declined.

Barbara enjoyed reading, playing games, bowling and eating at Taco Bell. Barbara was a strong, active woman who remained independent for most of her life. One of her fondest memories was when she coached girls softball. She had a love for the ocean and many wonderful memories were made on the Oregon Coast for her family to treasure.

Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Donald of Monmouth; daughters, Kathryn (Bruce) Stuwe of Monmouth, Nancy (David) Fitts of Hatton, Wash., and Dawn Wright (Jim Murdock) of North Augusta, S.C.; son, Steven (Khris) Baxter currently with the U.S. Army; sisters, Marion Ames of Clio, Mich., Joan Chabra of Mantua, Ohio, and Sandi Noltenmeier of Olympia, Wash.; brothers, David Heineman of Albany and Fred Heineman of Tigard; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

At her request there will be a private family celebration of life.

Contributions are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation for the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. Go to www.kidney.org/support and select "donate now" and choose "memorial gift."

Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence, handled arrangements. To send an online condolence: www.FarnstromMortuary.com.