Thelma C. “Teddy” Baxter

Lima - Thelma C. “Teddy” Baxter, 96, died at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 5, 2009, at The Ridge at Shawnee.

She was born Aug. 31, 1913, in Terre Haute, Ind., to Harry and Beatrice Bassett Basinger, who preceded her in death. On June 13, 1937, she married Robert C. Baxter Sr., who died Nov. 22, 2006.

Mrs. Baxter was a 1936 graduate of Lima Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse, working for Lima Memorial Hospital, Lima Visiting Nurses and the Allen County Health Department. In 1967, after her nursing career, she became a massage therapist in Florida, where she and her husband also volunteered at Florida Bible College. She had attended Bluelick Bible Church and had previously been a member of Cable Road Alliance Church for more than 50 years. She was a member of Senior Citizens, where she played in the band.

Survivors include three sons, Gary W. (Charlotte) Baxter, of Zanesfield, Robert C. (Loretta) Baxter Jr., of Lima, and Dennis S. (Joella) Baxter, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; five grandchildren, Brad (Wendy) Baxter, Nicole (Tim) Hemmert, Bobbie Jo (Jason) Kellermeyer, Andrew (Angela) Baxter and Amy Baxter; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Madison, Caitlin, Cody and Logan; and three half-sister, Phyllis Semenik, Patricia Carbine and Gerri Pihl, all of California.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Homes, Shawnee Chapel. Pastor James Neighbors will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in Ward Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lima Rescue Mission.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.