Rita R. Baxter, 72, of Ray, Ohio passed 8:13 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2024 at her residence.

She was born February 13, 1952 in Chillicothe to the late Floyd and Myrtle Staffan Sayre.  On April 6, 1969 she married William E. "Bill" Baxter who preceded her on July 27, 2024.

Surviving are children, Michael (Cornelia) Baxter, Michele (Robert Lee) Elliott, Jeremy (Sherrie) Baxter, all of Ray and Billie (Barney) DuBois, of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Christopher Hoffman, Sharon McKenna, Stacey McKenna, Tamara McKenna, Christopher Trent, Cortney Kincaid, Kayla McMillen, Madison Baxter, Coleton Baxter, Emma Specht, Jacob Specht, Jerilynn DuBois and Madilynn DuBois; 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Patsy (Gary) Osborne, Vicky (Dan) Weese, both of Londonderry, Karen Copenhaver, of Kingston and Becky (Jim) Blaney, of Marion; brothers, Dan Sayre, of Londonderry and Tim (Sheila) Sayre, of Chillicothe; brother-in-law, Dan (Diana) Baxter, of Jackson; special nieces and nephews, John, Marsha and Brian Baxter.  She was predeceased by a sister, Betty Lou Sayre.

Rita was a long-time member of Richmond Dale Church of God and was actively involved with the seniors group.  She retired from Wal-Mart and loved attending lunch with her Wal-Mart  retirement group.

Rita was a lover of Longaberger baskets, yard sales and auctions.  She never met a bargain she didn't like and was known for slamming on the brakes not to miss one.  Rita also loved her family, friends, dog, Buddy, and most of all, Rita loved her husband Bill.  She was so proud of her grandchildren and loved cheering them on and watching them grow.  Rita tried not to miss any of their events and ball games.

Rita had the heart of a caretaker, giving of herself and doing for others freely.  She was selfless in her actions and always wanted to help and be there for others

Memorial contributions can be made to the Richmond Dale Church of God Building Fund, 345 Market St., Richmond Dale, OH 45673.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor John Evans II officiating.  Burial will follow in Little Mound Cemetery.  Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. on Friday.