Karin L. Baxter

After struggling the last several months, Karin L. Baxter, 78, of Columbiana, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2017, at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shady Side to be with her heavenly Father and family.

Karin was born June 10, 1939, to the late Chauncey and Helfrid, née Holmstrom, Nybell of Boardman.

A graduate of the Boardman class of 1957 Karin excitedly participated in the 50th Class Reunion and reconnected with many friends. She attended a year at Bowling Green and then Youngstown College before marrying John Baxter, III on June 25, 1959, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Boardman. He swept her off to Charleston, SC where he was stationed in the Navy. It was there that Karin explored, and increased her love of music, theatre, museums, and historic homes. They returned to Ohio in 1972, settling in Columbiana to raise their three children.

Karin learned to sew from her mother “Freddie,” to knit from her fiancé John’s Aunt Gladys, and taught herself to needlepoint and cross stitch. Besides making beautiful sweaters for herself and family, she loved knitting booties for any new babies she heard about and spent several years knitting caps for babies in hospitals when larger garments became too painful.

Karin was an avid fan of marching bands, symphonies, museums, movies, live theatre, reading, and football. She shared these joys not only with her children but also with friends. Karin loved nothing more than to enjoy a TSO concert with her son Bob, and live theatre with her daughters Susi and Kris. She was a member of The Youngstown Playhouse, and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, where she volunteered for several years.

Some of her Bucket List accomplishments were being able to visit NYC on four occasions, return to Charleston to visit friends, and attend a Super Bowl (XXIX). Karin’s most unexpected Bucket List wish occurred in July of 2014 when she traveled to Sweden with her brother Doug, sister-in-law Carolyn, and daughter Susi, to meet cousins and see the place her maternal grandmother grew up.

Faith and service to others came naturally to Karin. She spoke fondly of the youth groups at Bethel Lutheran Church, and her years in Rainbow, “going through” the Stations and serving as Worthy Advisor for Order of Rainbow Girls, Assembly #16. She joined Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Columbiana in 1972 and was an active member until the last year made it difficult for her to attend. While active she taught Sunday School classes, both adult and grade school, belonged to the Faith Circle group, and the Quilting Group making quilts sent to Lutheran World Relief.

Karin will always be remembered for her ability to make people feel special, commemorating every birthday, graduation, anniversary, and achievement by sending personal notes and cards.

During her lifetime, Karin worked at Woolworth on Federal Street, a One Hour Martinizing in Monks Corner, SC, and Himes Tax Service in Youngstown. However, she would say that her most satisfying job was caring for her family which she did with all her heart.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Baxter, III, on January 19, 2014, whom she devotedly cared for through his health battles for more than 50 years.

Karin is survived by daughters, Susan (Philip) Thompson of Columbiana, and Kristine (Edward) Chismar of Greenford; a son, Robert (Merideth) Baxter of Lisbon; a brother Douglas (Carolyn) Nybell of Leetonia; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 on Friday, October 13, 2017, at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Columbiana with Pastor Jeffrey Corbett officiating.

Calling hours will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home and Friday morning one hour before the service at the church.

Burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Lake Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Karin to the Jerusalem Lutheran Church Preschool where she had been a former member of the board, at 415 S Main St, Columbiana, Oh, 44408.

View this obituary and send condolences to the family at www.familycareservices.com.