Pearl Baxter

Pearl D. Smith Baxter was born June 7, 1910, in Allen, to Alfred and Maryellen (Cortwright) Smith. Her parents moved to Emporia shortly after her birth.

Pearl graduated from Emporia High School and attended Kansas State Teachers College until she met George C. Baxter of Marion. They were married Sept. 29, 1929, at the home of Pearl’s parents in Emporia.

The young couple moved to the farm of George’s parents, northwest of Marion. They resided at that location until separated by death when George died May 24, 1993. Pearl remained in her home until her health failed and she moved to St. Luke Living Center Jan. 17, 2002.

She passed away there Saturday evening, Dec. 19, 2009, at the age of 99.

In addition to her husband, Pearl was preceded in death by her only sister, Rubye Colton, in 1993.

Pearl was a member of Marion Christian Church where she and her husband, George, were active members.

At the time of her passing, Pearl was one of three surviving charter members of Kansas Flying Farmers, an organization that both she and George enjoyed immensely and to which they devoted much time. She was also a charter member of the Kansas Aviation Museum at Wichita.

She was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

Pearl and George had no children and she leaves no surviving family.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 23 at Marion Christian Church with the Rev. Carl Helm officiating.

Burial will be at Marion Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with the church or the Kansas Flying Farmers Scholarship in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm St., Marion.