Colleen Baxter

Colleen Eliason Baxter, 90, beloved mother, grandmother and friend passed away at her home in Hyrum on March 6, 2024.  She was born on February 17, 1934 in Hyrum to Dewaine Gustave Eliason and Maxine Evelyn Smith.  She was the oldest of three children, having two younger brothers, Gary and Johnathan Richard (J.R.) 

Colleen lived her entire life in Hyrum, never moving more than three blocks away from her childhood home. When she was twelve years old, her mother passed away on Christmas Day at the young age of 32.  Because of this, she had to assume the responsibilities of a mother in helping to raise her two younger brothers, when she was really only a child herself.  She cherished her time spent with cousins who were like sisters.

Colleen worked after school at the Hyrum Drug Store and it was here that she met her husband, Ezra Devoy Baxter.  He would come into the store every day and order a banana milkshake.  Their first date was on March 20, 1953 and they were married one year later, March 12, 1954 in the Logan LDS Temple. Colleen and Devoy were married for almost fifty-eight years before he passed away in December of 2012.

Colleen loved playing board games, sewing, cross-stitching, traveling, and reading.   When her family asked where she wanted to travel to next, she would reply “Anywhere but home!”  She loved to camp in her trailer in Blacksmith Fork Canyon in the summer with her extended family.  Her grandchildren have many fond memories of those special times with grandma playing alongside them.  Colleen loved to display a large, beautiful Christmas village in her living room during the Christmas season for family and friends to enjoy.

Colleen was a faithful member of the Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving and loving those around her.  She and Devoy served in the Logan Temple in the Baptistry, and Colleen faithfully held many callings through the years.

Colleen loved the Hyrum Senior Center, and all the activities they offered.  She especially loved the road trips and temple outings. She donated many baby blankets and burp cloths for their annual craft fair.

Colleen is survived by her children, Kevin (Jill) Baxter of Mt. Sterling, Maxine (Larry) Speth of North Logan, and Linnea (Rick) Zilles of College Ward; 8 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and a stillborn baby brother.

Colleen has always been a great example to her family and to those around her.  She was always willing to help out any family member, friend, neighbor or even a stranger. The world is definitely a better place because of her.  Special thanks to all her dear friends and neighbors who provided many meals and visits over the years, and also to Aegis Home Healthcare and her nurse Ashlee Willardson. 

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 12 at noon in the Hyrum 5^th Ward chapel, 125 North 400 West, with Bishop Spencer Wengreen conducting. A viewing will be held Monday, March 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan, and Tuesday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Colleen will be laid to rest at the Hyrum City Cemetery. 

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com