Lenora Ruth Baxter

January 25, 1930 - February 3, 2008 On Sunday, February 3, 2008, at the age of 78 years, Lenora Ruth Baxter (nee: Sheridan) of Atikokan Ontario, completed her earthly journey and walked safely into the hands of her loving God. Her short, but courageous battle with cancer, ended peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her family. Lenora was born to Henry and Alice Sheridan in Toronto Ontario on January 25, 1930. She attended public and high school there and as a young teen met the love of her life, Herbert (Bert) Baxter. The couple fell in love "forever and always" and were married on July 12, 1947. They immediately began, what turned out to be, a very large and happy family. In July of 1965, Lenora and Bert left Toronto with their six children and moved to Atikokan Ontario where Bert took over as Pastor of First Baptist Church. Little did they know at that time that they were embarking on a ministry that lasted over 35 years. Upon arriving in Atikokan, Lenora took up employment with the Hudson's Bay Company and later with Zeller's. She retired from that position, due to a back injury, in 1986. Although Bert officially retired from the ministry in 2000, he and Lenora remained active in the church until recent times, when poor health hindered their involvement. . Lenora continued to take part in services with her angelic soloist voice and also served as Sunday School Superintendent Lenora will always be remembered as the little woman with a huge heart. Her crooked smile and unique giggle were contagious and touched the hearts all those that loved her or knew her. She was regarded as a loving, caring and compassionate woman, putting the needs of others far above her own. Her selfless acts of kindness did not go unnoticed throughout the community where she was held in high esteem by all. It was an everyday occurrence to see her sacrifice for others without hesitation. As a wife and mother she was extraordinarily dedicated, consistently tending to the needs of her husband, her 6 children, 28 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. She was truly a meek and humble woman, filled with the desire to make others happy. As a devoted Christian, she was not ashamed to publicly profess her faith in God and share that faith with those she could. She was a genuine inspiration to all and she will be sadly missed until we meet again. Lenora was predeceased by her mother Alice Sheridan (1962), her father Henry Sheridan (1971), her sister Shirley Vibert (1986), three infant sons (1956,1957 &1958), her great granddaughter Mya (2001), great granddaughter Samara (2004) and great grandson Mitchell (2006). She is survived by her husband Bert of 60 years, her sons David Baxter (Susan), Daniel Baxter (Teri) and Bill Baxter (Joy), her daughters Cynthia White (Hugh), Lenora-Lee Mesic (Frank), and Rebecca Strom (Glen). She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, two sisters Audrey Herold and June Stefoff, and dozens of nieces and nephews. Viewing will be held at First Baptist Church, 88 Maple Crescent, Atikokan Ontario on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 between 6:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m. A service celebrating the life of Lenora Baxter will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Ken Stainthorpe officiating. Interment, following the service, will be held at the Little Falls Cemetary in Atikokan. In lieu of flowers, Lenora has requested that memoriam donations be made to the First Baptist Church Barrier Free Access Fund, Box 306, Atikokan Ontario, P0T 1C0, or to the charity of your choice, or in care of Green Funeral Home, P. O. Box 427, Fort Frances Ontario, P9A 3M8. "Well done thou good and faithful servant. . .enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. " Matthew 25:21"