Marjorie Baxter

Marjorie Ruth Baxter, 88, of Wickenburg, AZ, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at a local hospital from complications of COPD. A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 AM at the Wickenburg Funeral Home, 187 N. Adams St, Wickenburg AZ. Cremation is under the direction of the Wickenburg Funeral Home. Marge was born on Oct. 6, 1924 in Boise ID to Lucille and Walter Rowlett. She studied piano and clarinet and attended local public schools. She graduated from Boise High School in 1942 and attended Boise Junior College and Oregon State University, majoring in Biology. A fiery red-head, she caught the eye of Charles F. Baxter and they were married on August 18, 1945 before he began his service in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge, she and Charlie and their infant daughter settled in California. Throughout their time together, they shared the responsibility for owning several successful small businesses. While Charlie was the "visionary" on the team, Marge was the "chief operating officer" and one-person staff, getting the work done. She was a master at juggling their three children, home, work and Charlie. Marge was an avid reader, worked crossword puzzles in ink, rarely missed her game shows and golf matches on TV and was a life-long fan of Boise State Bronco Football. She never refused a request to help a friend. Her quiet generosity has been an inspiration to everyone she knew. She leaves behind family and many dear friends who will never forget her heart-felt smile and sweet nature. Marge is survived by a daughter, Sandra Streiff (John), Boise ID; a son, Steven Baxter, Cave Creek AZ; two grandchildren: Raphael Streiff, MD (Nicole), Boise; Rebekah Porter (Mike), Mesa, AZ; a sister, Bonnie Gibson, Walnut Creek CA; six great grandchildren and several nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Baxter; a son, Chuck Baxter, Jr., her parents and a brother, Emery Rowlett. The family thanks the staff at My Father's Retirement Ranch for their extraordinary care as well as Hospice caregivers for their assistance and support.