Clela Mae Baxter, 93, formerly of Columbia City, died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, where she was taken by EMS from Millers at Oak Pointe.

Born on November 17, 1929, in Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Walter W. and Hildreth E. (Hawn) Wince. Growing up in Columbia City, she attended Columbia City High School.

On August 1, 1948, she married Richard L. Baxter. They briefly made their home in Wolf Lake before settling in rural Columbia City, where they raised four children. After 69 years of marriage, Richard died on December 3, 2017.  She then moved into Columbia City.

She began her work career at the Woolen Mills in Columbia City. In 1966, she went to work for Weatherhead in Columbia City, retiring in 1991.

She liked to crochet, making blankets for her children and grandchildren. She is remembered for her baked goods, especially her zucchini bread. In her senior years, she enjoyed reading novels and studying the Bible. To keep her mind sharp – she did word search puzzles. Enjoying nature, she liked to feed and watch the birds.

Surviving are her daughters, Elizabeth Ann (James) Walter of Albuquerque, NM, and Penny D. (Chris) Haegert of Larwill; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Sue Ewing, a son, James Baxter, and a sister Lurabelle Knote.

The funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside her husband at Nolt Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m. until the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Clela's honor are to St. Jude Children's Hospital.