Baxter, Shirley Anne (Meisel) – David Lee

Shirley Anne Baxter (Meisel) passed away peacefully on July 31 at the age of 83. Born on July 25, 1943, Shirley grew up in Richfield, Minnesota, graduated from Richfield High School, and earned a degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota. She met her husband, William (Bill} Baxter, at the University of Minnesota, and they were married on March 19, 1965.

Shirley taught art at Hopkins High School until she and Bill were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sherri, followed by their son, William A. Baxter. The family lived in Excelsior for several years before moving to Plymouth, Minnesota.

The family became members of Wayzata Community Church in 1972. Shirley served for several years as editor of the church newsletter. In 1985, Bill started his own business specializing in office interior design and furniture sales, and Shirley worked alongside him in the business.

Shirley was also a dedicated volunteer at Wayzata Community Church. She chaired the Rummage Sale Book Department for 35 years and volunteered with the Thimble Bees ministry for approximately 20 years. Following Bill's passing in 2021, Shirley moved to Folkestone in Wayzata, in 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lorraine Meisel, and her husband, William Hunt Baxter. She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Christofaro (Larry); her son, Bill Baxter (Ann); her brother, Paul Meisel; her grandson, Aidan Baxter; her step-granddaughters, Gina Cote (Bryan) and Anna Christofaro; and her step-great-grandsons, James and Miles Cote. She was also blessed with a multitude of long-time friends.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Wayzata Community Church, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to David Lee Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley’s memory to Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center (www.ospreywilds.org)