Ruth Baxter

Ruth’s prayers have become sight, as the Lord called her to Himself Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from her home in Primrose Retirement Community. She was 92.

Born Ruth Anita Huber on August 18, 1932, in Bison, South Dakota, to parents Philip George and Louise (Wenz) Huber, she was the daughter of Christian parents who nurtured her strong spiritual foundation. Raised in a German Baptist household, Ruth committed her life to Christ at the tender age of nine and rededicated herself to full-time Christian service at twelve. Her early years were spent helping her father on their family farm, where she developed a strong work ethic and a heart for helping others.

After graduating from Bison High School in 1950, Ruth pursued her passion for nursing, attending Mounds-Midway School of Nursing in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she earned her RN degree. Her love for music led her to Moody Bible Institute, where she studied music and Christian education with a missions emphasis. It was at Moody that she met a tall handsome man named Joe who shared her passion for missions, Joseph Baxter, and they began a beautiful life journey together.

Planning to go to Africa, Ruth’s attention diverted to South America following the martyrdom of Nate Saint in Operation Auca. God led them to Ecuador, and HCJB - Heralding Christ Jesus’ Blessing - and in November of 1964 they arrived in Quito.

Their ministry in Ecuador spanned nearly four decades, where Ruth worked as a surgical nurse at Hospital Vozandes in Quito. Ruth’s gentle spirit and compassionate care touched countless lives as she prayed with patients and shared the Gospel message before surgeries. Her dedication to her work extended beyond the hospital walls, as she and Joe led various ministries, including prison outreach, orphan care, hospital evangelism, and support for local churches. The impact of their mission work spread throughout Ecuador and received national attention. Her creativity for Christian evangelism reached all ages - and all areas of Ecuador.

On retiring from Ecuador in 2003 they moved to Mansfield and settled on Weller Avenue, where Ruth became the affectionate “Mayor of Weller Avenue".

She was a devoted member of Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, where she played the piano and organ for chapel services, sang in the choir, actively participated in Bible studies and prayer meetings, and headed the church prayer chain for many years.

Ruth’s legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering faith. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Joseph Baxter; their two daughters, Cindy (William) Hill of Mansfield, and Melody Ruth (Michael) Roberson of Twain Harte, CA; grandchildren Caleb (Amanda) Hill of New York City, Collin (Kristen) Hill of Nashville, TN, Cameron (Joy) Hill of Greenville, SC, Jed (Makenna) Roberson of Denver, CO, Jesse (Sarah) Roberson of San Diego, CA, and Janea Roberson of Denver, CO; five great grandchildren (and one on the way); a brother Reuben Edward Huber of Henderson, NV; and a loving church family.

She was preceded in death by her sister Meraleen Kern.

The family will receive guests Friday, September 13, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Burial in Mansfield Memorial Park will be on Saturday. A worship service, giving glory to God for the life of Ruth A. Baxter will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in Berean Baptist Church, 2145 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield. Pastors Dan Krause and Jim Berry will officiate.

In honor of Ruth’s life and her passion for Christian missions, memorial contributions may be made to HCJB World Radio (The Voice of The Andes).

Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve the Baxter family. Share a memory of Ruth and watch her tribute video online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.

Ruth’s life was a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and service. She will be deeply missed but her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family is eternally grateful to Cornerstone Care Givers and Primrose for the loving care Ruth received.Her final mission field was Primrose Retirement Center - til her last days the prayer warrior and encourager was encouraging and loving on all those around her.