Obituary of Carolyn Irene Baxter

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Carolyn Irene Baxter of Boise, Idaho, passed away suddenly from a massive stroke on March 9, 2024, at the age of 78. Carolyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Born April 26, 1945 to the late Carroll and Geneath Sparks in Nampa, Idaho, Carolyn spent her early years in Roswell, Idaho until her family moved to Notus, Idaho. After graduating from Notus High School in 1963, Carolyn attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon before transferring to Northwest Nazarene College where she graduated in 1967 with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education.

On December 22, 1967, Carolyn married James Baxter in the Notus Baptist Church. They had been married for 56 years when Carolyn passed. In the early years of their marriage they lived in Meridian, Idaho where they were living when their two daughters, Jana and Jodi were born. In 1975 the family moved to Fruitland, Idaho where Carolyn enjoyed teaching elementary school and raising her two daughters. In 1994, the family moved to Boise, Idaho and Carolyn began working as a reading specialist at Adams Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary. It was during that time that Carolyn also went on to receive a Masters in Reading Education from Boise State University.

Carolyn had the kindest servant heart and was known for her loving and caring nature. She always put others before herself and had a special place in her heart for people of all ages, especially children and the elderly. In her free time, Carolyn enjoyed being a member of many Bible studies and book clubs over the years. She spent many hours taking care of her four grandchildren when they were young and then watching their sporting events as they got older. She cherished all moments with her family from her beloved siblings and cousins to the frequent family dinners at her daughters' homes. Spending the 4^th of July in Cascade with her family was one of her favorite events.

She is survived by her husband, James Baxter; daughters, Jana (Roger) Olson and Jodi (Dave) LaBrie; grandchildren, Karina (Julian Torres) Olson, Ryan Olson, Landon LaBrie, and Garrett LaBrie; sister, Jeanne (Glen) Richter; brother, Ken (Sandy) Sparks; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Carroll Sparks; mother, Geneath Sparks; and sister, Linda Kruger.

A service to honor Carolyn's life will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:30 am at Summers Funeral Home in Meridian, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Westside Bible Church in Meridian, Idaho, in memory of Carolyn or any elementary school reading program.