Carol Baxter

Our beloved Carol Joan (Bell) Baxter, age 93, was called home to Jesus on the morning of November 24, 2023.

Anyone who knew her, loved her. Mom's loving advice was "you gotta make your own sunshine." She was a great listener, and a friend to many.

Carol passionately loved her family and friends alike.

Ongie, as loved ones called her, loved going out to eat, sometimes entertaining the entire restaurant with her stories and antics. She also loved nice clothing, jewelry, purses, and shoes. She went thrift shopping like it was a mission, sourcing all kinds of "cool" things. She was an avid reader. She painted, and colored. Above all other hobbies, she loved to travel, and to take off driving her car.

Until one year ago, Carol had a dog or cat companion her whole life. She once nurtured a litter of fox pups with a dropper, saved them, and released them. She fed squirrels, birds, and any other animal that happened to get into her yard. She leaves behind Bandit ("Gammy's Little Boy"), Maggie, Evelyn, Koda, Xavier, and many other grand dogs.

She was a member of the Red Hatters Club a.k.a. 'Red Hat Floozies'.

Carol worked at various retail stores including Montgomery Ward, Pollock's Furniture, Merle Norman Studio, and Rite Aid.

Mom was a character! Her manner was energetic. Very witty. She enjoyed making people blush by some zaney comment.

Ongie was a giver. Always offering "gas money." She found happiness in helping others and making you feel loved and valued.

She was fearless, adventurous, full of joy, and loved life.

Carol was the daughter of Wilbert & Harriet (Shivley) Bell. She is survived by two sisters Alice (Bell) Lake, and Jadine (Bell) Conn (Ed). And one brother James Bell. All living locally.

She was preceded in death by her husband, RIchard C. Baxter. Son Mark J Collins, and grand-daughter Jennifer Duvall.

Surviving are two daughters, one son, and step-family. Joy (Collins) Marshall (Jeff), of Nashville Indiana. Cathy (Collins) Donnelly (John) of Van Wert. Scott Collins (Elaine) of Grover Hill.

Step-children include Matthew Baxter of Vandalia, Ohio. John Baxter (Susan) of Oak Island, NC. Beth (Baxter) DuVall (Bill) of Leland, NC. Carol (Baxter) Williman (Pete) of Van Wert. Marilyn (Baxter) Elrod (Albert) of Wilmington, NC.

Carol has 25 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Carol Joan Baxter will be held at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, located at 722 S Washington St, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Viewing will be Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 2-7pm.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 11am.

Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery.

Family luncheon to follow at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Community Room.

Donations can be made to CHP Home Care and Hospice by using the following link: https://comhealthpro.org/support-chp-hospice/, or by calling (419) 782-5411.

Please come with fun, memorable experiences and stories to share with family. We look forward to your company.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.