Enid Baxter Obituary

Enid Marie Aungst was born in April of 1937. Her Dad turned 51 that year and her Mom was 44, so they likely thought they were done having kids. But Enid was not to be denied.

She was born prematurely, weighing less than 5 pounds at a time when tiny babies like her often did not survive. But Enid was a fighter from the beginning.

The youngest child, she grew up on a farm that is still in the family today. She looked up to her sister Betty who was 18 years older, and loved being teased by her brother Burnell who was 12 years older than she.

She was proud to be from Kendallville and from the farm. The main income source on the farm was the sheep her Dad raised for meat. But, those lambs were like her pets, so she never knowingly ate lamb in her life.

She was pretty much a straight A student all through school first because she was intelligent, but probably more so because she worked her tail off at whatever she did.

She went to Indiana University in the fall of 1955. There, she met Norm Baxter at a church gathering. The story goes that at his first sight of her -- she was up to her elbows in potato salad, helping to mix the potatoes, mayonnaise and other ingredients. Not food safe, it doesn't sound like, but that's the story.

Somehow Norm didn't get her last name and phone number the first time he met her, so he and his friends got out the campus phone book and began going page by page from the front looking for this girl, Enid. Norm was a determined guy too, and it was a good thing her last name started with an A -- or Brian, Todd and Valerie might not be here.

Norm and Enid were married in August of 1958. Their first home was trailer number 19 on the Indiana University campus, a space which was only about 8 feet wide by 18 feet long. But, for the rest of their lives, wherever they lived Enid and Norm worked hard to make a welcoming home for family and many friends.

They both wanted to travel and see sights around the country. And, since money was not plentiful, they figured camping was a good way to do that. So, the Baxter's became a camping family. On vacations, they drove and camped from coast-to-coast. Eventually Enid made it to all 50 states.

In later years, she and Norm also traveled extensively in Canada, Russia and Europe. And, after Norm passed away in 1997, she traveled the country and the world, with her beloved, faithful daughter and friend, Val.

Enid and Norm highly valued education and knew they wanted to send their kids to college. So, in 1977 she began working at Elmhurst School District 205 to help fund college tuitions.

Enid was not afraid to learn new things and was an early adopter and skilled user of computer programs. Her talents with the computer helped many people -- both at work, at home and in her volunteer work.

She loved gardening, being outdoors and tending to her many flowers. But probably most of all she loved her family -- visiting and spending time with them. Whenever family members left her home after a visit, she would cry as she hugged them goodbye and watched them drive away.

Smart, hard-working, full of opinions, and often quite stubborn, Enid laughed easily and often. She was a talker who enjoyed people and genuinely cared for them. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and she had a quiet, but real faith in God.

In spite of health challenges the last few years, she never failed to do whatever she could -- to stay active, to keep living in her home, visiting with those she cared for, and doing the things she wanted to do.

Enid Baxter lived life to the last full measure -- a fighter from beginning to end. And, she has a legacy of family and friends who will miss her and never forget her.

I worked with Enid for many years at Dist 205. I'm sorry that I cannot attend the services today. Since retirement she has been a part of our breakfast group of support staff. We were fortunate that she was able to attend just a couple of weeks ago. Rest in peace. My condolences to Val and the rest of the famiy. She will be missed

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mother. I know the significant and loving part she played in each of your lives.

My sympathy to all the family. I rode on same school bus as Enid. I still drive by the Aungst farm on my way to Kendallville. Thinking of you today as you all gather together.
Cousin, Jerri Parker Gage. From Albion, In. In summer and Haines City, Florida in the winter.)

We share in your sadness at the loss of your Mother. In life, she unselfishly gave her love and support to her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her community. Her strength and determination during her illness went to the core of who she was - a very remarkable woman who will be lovingly missed and remembered.

I am very sorry for your loss. I always liked Enid and I always enjoyed our conversations on Education and we would "swap war stories" on the politics of Education.
I still remember Enid licking a spoon and sticking it to her nose at Thanksgiving two years ago!

My prayers and thoughts are with Enid's family. She and Norm were an example to others and are missed by many.❤

I was so sorry to hear of another one of our classmates passing. Enid was such a nice person and was always helping others. I will place her and her family members in my prayers. Our hearts go out tot he family members for their loss. May God bless you all.

Craig Miller, Kendallville class of 1955

Valerie and family,so sorry to hear of Enid's passing.I was a class mate in grade school up to the eight grade here in Kendallville.Our hearts and thoughts are with you at this time.Really enjoyed seeing Enid at the High school's 50 class reunion.Tom and Vonetta TRowbridge Sr.

Enid's love of family and the Elmhurst community in general was always obvious. As an administrative assistant in the curriculum department, she was helpful, dedicated to sharing her expertise, and knowledgable about all facets of life. It was a pleasure to know and work with her for many years. (Bonnie Park, retired District 205 gifted coordinator)

I was so honored to know her, so devoted to her family. May God wrap His arms around this family and comfort them.