Jane Elizabeth Baxter

Jane Elizabeth Baxter, 76, of Rockton, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, in the presence of family. Jane was born on October 11th, 1947, in LaSalle, IL, to Thomas Morgan Reay, a newspaper editor, and Elvira Blanch (Allen), a Red Cross Volunteer.  

Jane graduated from LaSalle-Peru High School and attended the University of Illinois-Champaign with a dream of majoring in Spanish and working for the United Nations. She met her first husband, Charles Mason, in college and was thrilled to become a full-time wife, homemaker, & mom. She always felt that being a mom was her greatest accomplishment. Later in life, she married Byron Baxter and moved to Rockton, IL.  

Jane was thrilled to become a grandma and was always up for grandkid adventures. Sleepovers at grandma’s house were a common event with fires in the fireplace, rearranging furniture, and exploring old drawers.  

Jane enjoyed traveling, reading, writing “snail mail”, and cutting out newspaper clippings to share with others. Her secret power was hospitality, and she looked forward to hosting get-togethers for various events such as the Kentucky Derby or the Rockton Christmas Walk Parade.  

Acting through AgeQuake Theatre and taking classes at Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning in Retirement enhanced her life and she made many wonderful friends through these venues. She particularly enjoyed a visit to an alpaca farm. Two places that were very special to her were Sedona, AZ, and the Rockton Talcott library.  

Jane loved her family and friends fiercely and chose to find JOY in every day.  

Jane is survived by her daughter, Stacia (Daniel) Bartlett of Rockton, IL, grandchildren Samantha (Thomas) Robinson of Liverpool, NY, Joshua Bartlett of Rockton, IL, and Alexander Bartlett, of Roscoe, IL; nephews Tom (Debbie), Todd, and Tim Reay; and numerous cousins. She is predeceased by her husband Byron Baxter, parents Thomas and Elvira Reay, and brother Tom (Patricia) Reay.