Marilyn Baxter

Marilyn Baxter, age 76, of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully at home January 29, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by daughters, Patti Soule of Maple Grove, MN and Darcy (Tom) Scarpati of Naperville, IL; son, Michael (Pam) Hollis of Rockford, IL; grandchildren, Joshua (Kim), Michael and Nicholas Soule, Thomas and Carlie Scarpati, Cory (Niki) and Derek Hollis, Jamie (Trent) Murr, Shelly (Steve) Jobst and Amy (Steve) Racich; twelve great grandchildren; brother, James (late Sue)Dray; sister, Diane (Tony) Rodriguez; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bud Durns, Fred Casazza and Helen Dray; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by daughter, Deborah Gustafson; sisters, Betty Durns and Arlene Casazza; brothers, William and Joe (Shirley) Dray. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 12:00 noon at the Christenson Funeral Home and Crematory, 925 3rd Ave, Rockford, IL. Interment at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM until the time of services at noon at the funeral home. Marilyn loved to spend time with her family, from watching her grandchildren's sporting events to the big family holiday parties. She loved music and enjoyed the piano, singing and whistling a few notes. Marilyn was very strong and independent. She loved long car rides and watching a good thunderstorm, but most of all she held a deep love for her family.