Gwen Baxter

Gwen Baxter

Gwen Baxter, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother slipped away in her home on June 5. Gwen was born in Colorado Springs of Clarence Byrd and Lucille Riddoch. In the 1940's the Byrd family, moved to Goldfield, then Tonopah and finally Reno. Both of her parents were educators and Gwen followed in their footsteps by graduating with a teaching degree from the University of Nevada in 1949. After graduation, she taught at Sparks Middle School, then Reno High School. While at the university she fell in love with George Mert Baxter and they joined their lives in marriage in 1952.

Mert was destined for a military career and no officer ever had a more supportive wife than he. Gwen loved the military life and they served together in many national and international assignments including Germany and Pakistan. Thirty-six years, four children and hundreds of, thousands of miles later, Gwen and Mert retired in Reno.

Gwen's two great passions were her family and giving to the community that she loved. From 1991 until her death, she volunteered at the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks. She served as the president from 1996-1998 and headed up several of their worthy projects during her tenure.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marilyn Dietz, and her son Gary Baxter. She leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Mert Baxter, and children; Brenda Baxter, Greg Baxter and his wife Barbara, and Amy Fruhwirth and her husband, Tim. She also leaves grandchildren; Jillian Fruhwirth Merson, Kelly Fruhwirth, Graham Baxter,and Bill Barkman. She will be missed by her great grandchildren, Jameson Merson, Beckett Baxter, Seven Barkman and Sevannah Barkman.

A memorial service to honor Gwen's full, happy life is pending. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Assistance League of Reno-Sparks, PO Box 7376, Reno 8951 0-7376, or to Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 7801 Mesquite Bend Blvd., Suite 105, Irving, TX 75063.