Shirley Lee Jean Kessler Baxter

 Shirley Lee Jean Baxter, 91, Milo, MO, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO.  Shirley was born in Clinton, MO on January 21, 1933, to Melvin Luther and Lorine (Porter) Kessler.  She was married to Dean Baxter on August 18, 1951 and he survives of the home.

    Shirley attended school at Greenwood School in Kansas City, Jr. High in Bell Gardens, CA, and High School at Central High School in Kansas City.   She worked at Chandler Show Store, Dixie Shop, and Stowe Hardware, all in Kansas City.  She also worked at Farm & Home, Dr. Griswold’s office and Moore-Few Nursing Home in Nevada, MO.  Shirley was the first administrator of Moore-Few Nursing Home.  She worked at three other nursing homes in Missouri as well.  Shirley retired from the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau on October 1, 1999, after working as Administrative Assistant for two bureau managers for 12 years.  In the Village of Milo, she served as Finance Officer for 15 years.

    Originally moving to Nevada in 1958 to a farm South of Nevada on BB highway, they then moved in 1984 to Jefferson City until 2001, when they moved back to Milo, MO and built a new home there.

    Shirley was involved in numerous organizations:  she was a member of the Business & Professional Women for over 40 years, held several local and state offices, and was the Woman of the Year; a member of International Association of Administrative Professionals since 1992 to two different chapters:  Ink & Quill, Jefferson City and Route 66, Joplin, and held several chapter offices, helping with 3 Missouri Division meetings; served as president of the Missouri Square and Round Dance Association; served also on the board of Missouri Round Dance Association; was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nevada, MO; served as an ombudsman at Moore-Few Nursing Home; and worked at numerous elections.

    Shirley is survived by her husband of 73 years, Dean Baxter; four children, Mike Baxter, Sheldon, MO, Mark Baxter, Minnesota, Melvin Baxter, Florida, and Daniel Baxter, Nevada, MO; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Achey, and one brother, Melvin L. Kessler.

    A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, Nevada, with Pastor Laura Agee officiating.  Those who wish may contribute in Shirley’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.   Committal will follow in the Sheldon Cemetery at a later date.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com