Joan L. Baxter

Sep 13, 1932 -

May 27, 2023

Joan Louise Baxter was born on Sept. 13, 1932, in Detroit, Mich. But to all her "kids" she taught over the years, she was simply Mrs. B. She attended Central State Teachers College where she obtained her teaching credentials. While in college, she worked summer jobs at Yellowstone, where she met her future husband; the Grand Canyon; and even a guest ranch in South Dakota. Upon graduating, she started her teaching career in Salt Lake City, Utah. She eventually found her way to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1961, and taught English at East Anchorage High School. Mrs. B was passionate about all of her classes, but especially Shakespeare; and fondly referred to him as "Willie." She was so devoted to her subject that she served as East's English Department Chair.

Although she considered Alaska "the home of her heart," she bid it a fond adieu in 1978, to return to Salt Lake City, and finished out her teaching career. Mrs. B was always a wanderlust. She traveled extensively with her friend, Myrna Olorenshaw, who was also one of her first students. She maintained contact with over 350 of her students, and would regale all of them with her adventures in her annual Christmas letters, some of which were quite lengthy! She found joy in singing with her church choir. She enjoyed classical music, and made a point of learning new things every day.

She passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023, at home.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Baxter; parents, Sigurd and Elsa (Daesen) Soderback; and sister, Dorothy Harrelson.

She will be missed by all who knew her. It seems only fitting to conclude our final farewell as she ended every class, "are there any questions, comments or cantankerous quibbles"? You touched so many lives, Mrs. B! If anyone is inclined to make a donation in her name, she supported numerous charities so please select one that holds a personal significance to honor her.