Agnes H. Baxter

1923 - 2021

Agnes Hope Baxter



Agnes Hope

Baxter, 97, died April 15, 2021, with family by her side at her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Agnes was born August 9, 1923, in Dora, PA, to

Mildred and Charles Shoffner.

She graduated from Punxsutawney High School in 1941, then continued her education at Syracuse University, graduating in 1945 with a double major of Journalism and Sociology. She was a member of the Phi Mu sorority, Alpha Kappa Delta (Honor Society of Sociology), and Kappa Tau Alpha (Honor Society of Journalism). She used her journalism skills while writing the ARC newsletter for several years.

Sifting through an extensive line of suitors, Agnes chose the lucky Harold (Hal) Baxter, and wed in 1948. Moving to Albuquerque in 1950 with a career for Hal awaiting at Sandia National Laboratories, they started their family, eventually having children Ralph, Ellen, Gini, and Barbara.

Agnes' life was defined by her love for people, her perseverance and grace in dealing with tragedy, her unyielding conviction of right versus wrong, her passion for sports, and gardening. Those gifts and passions will forever be a model and guide for those who were fortunate enough to be impacted by her life.

From the death of daughter Ellen as a teenager, the tragic accident that took husband Hal, and a life cut short with son Ralph, Agnes intentionally chose not to have her life defined by those tragedies but continued to cast a light of optimism and hope for herself and all who she touched.

Agnes loved all sports, but was especially drawn to football, tennis, basketball, and anything to do with her beloved Lobos. Highly competitive, she played tennis through her 85th year. March Madness was the highlight of her year, watching practically every game. She could not be disturbed while watching a game or match, ignoring phone calls from family, earthquakes, election results, or the start of WWIII. This was when she would get the most angry and frustrated, screaming out her most vile expletive, "Oh Balls!!"

In her typical humble manner, one of Agnes' last statements was, "I don't think it's a gift that I love people. That's

just who I am." And that is exactly who she was. She wanted to know and build relationships with people. When one of her grandkids was telling about a soccer game, or a camping trip, or diving with sharks, she was totally engaged and living the experience with them. Old, discarded boyfriends of Gini and Barb would continue to come see Agnes, years after the relationship with Gini or Barb were over. When asked about a diagnosis from a doctor's visit, Agnes often would have no idea about the diagnosis, but would know the important things like if the doctor is married, how many kids she had, and where she went to school. She loved people â€" and they knew it.

Agnes' eyes, smile, and laugh gave you a view of her soul. Do something that disturbed her, and those brown eyes would burn holes. But mostly those were sparkling, wisdom filled eyes, that just made you feel good. Then couple those eyes with the smile and laugh, and you were in for the time of your life with the phenomenal Agnes Hope Baxter.

Agnes is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Charles; daughter Ellen; husband Hal; son Ralph; siblings Myron, Alice, and Lauretta.

Agnes is survived by her brother Ralph (Alice), daughter Gini (Kyle); daughter Barbara (James); grandchildren Ryan (Misty), Jordan (Emily), Jared (partner Elisa), and Ali (Spencer);

step-grandchildren Jaime (Phillip), Kylie (Jason);

Great grandchildren Neveah, Malcolm, Alice, Reece, Daxton, and Mason.

The family thanks Agnes' caregivers, including Peggy, Rosa, Nereida, and Hospice of New Mexico, who cared for Agnes with love and patience over the past few challenging months, while respecting her wishes to die in her home.

In honoring Agnes, donations can be made to Animal Humane of New Mexico, Hospice of New Mexico, or Tamaya Horse Rehab in her name.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.