On August 16th Evelyn Ann Baxter passed away in Bakersfield, CA peacefully after a major stroke. Her daughter Leah was at her side. She was able to live independently until her death, which was very important to her. Evelyn Ann Hammer was born on February 3, 1928 in West Point, IA to Edward and Mabel Haffner Hammer. She married Lowell Eugene "Gene" Mead on December 21, 1946, he preceded her in death on September 15, 1971. She later married Dr. Robert "Bob" C. Baxter on January 20, 1973, he preceded her in death on October 19, 1982. Evelyn was a traditional homemaker in every aspect of the word. She took pride in her home, inside and out, along with her gardening and yard work. She also loved to cook and bake, and became known for her delicious banana bread. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, crafts and fishing at Corpus Christi, TX. Later in California she continued to watch her beloved baseball and was an active volunteer, including helping, and playing, bingo four times per week. Prior to her residence in California, she resided in Keokuk from 1946 to 2008. She worked as a telephone operator, a seamstress and after marrying her second husband, Bob, became proficient as a dental lab technician and assistant. She was a faithful lifelong member of St. Paul UCC, where she served as Sunday School treasurer, was a member of the Women's Service Circle, and attended bible study. To all that knew her in these endeavors, she was always described as a "loyal worker." Evelyn served as President of the local Cancer Society in 1972, was a member of the King's Daughters, Tri-T and Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary, where she was chosen as an Honorary Auxiliarian in September of 2008, for all her many hours of service and crafts for "specialties." She was named resident of the month in February of this year at her apartment complex, where she was widely known as the "alterations lady" throughout the years her family came to believe that there was nothing she couldn't make with a needle and thread. While in California, she continued her long standing tradition of mailing her yearlong craft work back to Keokuk Area Hospital Auxiliary for the Annual Tea. Grandma will be missed for her cinnamon apples, banana bread, spaghetti dinners, mending of torn garments, crocheted potholders, and her love of board games with the family and the spoiling of her granddog, Bobby. She is survived by her daughter Leah Mead Coughlin and her husband Joe of Bakersfield, CA, granddaughters, Ami Joy Ann Coughlin, Kate Rose Mabel Coughlin and newly "adopted" grandson, Ivan, sisters-in-law, Carol Peterman of Argyle, IA and Betty Mead of Ft. Madison, IA and a host of cousins and friends. Graveside services were held 3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the Sunset Memorial Park in Keokuk, IA with Rev. Matt Hunt officiating. A celebration of life is being planned when her family can return to Keokuk in the summer of 2012. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul UCC in Keokuk or the Keokuk Area Hospital.