Thelma Mae (Baldwin) Baxter

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the age of 97 years.

The daughter of the late James and Susan (Conley) Baldwin was born on June 16, 1929, in Newaygo, MI. She proudly graduated from Grant High School, class of 1948. School in the farming community she grew up in ended in 8th grade. Thelma, however, was determined to continue her high school education, walking a few miles daily to get to school and back. At graduation she was recognized for her hard work and determination, inspiring parents of other children and neighbors to take a collection to buy a bus for the school, so that other children would be able to attend.

Thelma married Earl Baxter, in May of 1951, he predeceased her on January 17, 1996. She lived a full life, filling her time with a variety of hobbies and interests that kept her active and busy. Thelma was an avid golfer and bowler and was the League Secretary for both sports. Thelma volunteered at Delta College and their public broadcasting station, Channel 19. She was a member of WISH, helping to collect information for the advancement of women’s health. A self-described genealogist, Thelma was a member of the Saginaw Genealogical society and traced both sides of her family’s history back for many generations. This pursuit of her family’s history led her to travel to various locations in the late 60s and early 70s to collect that information, igniting a love of travel that she carried with her throughout her life.

Surviving are her children: Kevin (Kate) Baxter, Alan (Susan) Baxter, and Patrick (Shiela) Baxter; four grandchildren: Megan, Kayla (Adam), Andrew (Nikki), and Kelsey (Chase Riever); five great-grandchildren: Luna, Natalie, Gage, Harlem, and Bronx; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, Thelma was predeceased by her siblings: twin brothers Harry and Homer Baldwin, sisters Roberta Mosies, Frances Rusco, and Gayle Whipple.

A memorial service for Thelma will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 201 N. Miller Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609. Rev. Julie Bailey will officiate. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 11:00 am until the time of the memorial service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a charity of their choice. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com