Elva Rose Driggs Baxter

With her customary grace and wonderful smile, an extraordinary woman left this world to take her place with the noble and great who have gone before, joining her husband, Reed N. Baxter. Rose was born June 19, 1930, in Driggs, Idaho. She died in St. George, Utah on August 31, 2022.

Early experiences instilled in her an understanding that honor and character mattered. Also, that life was about lifting and serving others.  Life was to be an adventure full of loving family and laughter. Rose met Reed at the Rainbow Rendezvous in SLC. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on her 17^th birthday June 19, 1947, after graduating from West High School. Covenants made in the temple led to a life of commitments kept and countless lives blessed. It was the remarkable and dynamic duo that rarely said no to each other and together said yes to every opportunity to serve and make a difference in the lives of their children, posterity, and others they met along the way. They were blessed with 4 boys and 3 girls. They served a mission together to Ely, Nevada, where they helped many new friends find the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They learned through experience that true character is forged in fiery trials, tempered in tragedy, bringing spiritual growth that they came to earth to learn.  Those lessons were needed when her companion of 47 years died suddenly, leaving her a widow at age 63.  Being the Matriarch, she was an example to her family for the last 30 years. 

Rose always proclaimed her faith in Jesus Christ to all. She lived by Christ’s word and deed. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions in the Church throughout her life. The power of her character inspired others to improve their own character. Rose thirsted for knowledge, was a gifted writer with a seemingly photographic memory, which she shared with quick wit and enthusiasm.

Rose is survived by Brent (Laura), Don (Shar), Kelly (Susan), Linda Green, Stewart. Beverly (Dan) MacFarlane, Karma (Tom) Bott, Sisters, Bonnie Thomas and Leah (Leonard) Adams.  Preceded in death was her husband Reed, brother Leonard and Helen Driggs.  Sister’s Betty (Doug) Gallacher, Glenna Klein, Leo Thomas, and Hal & Maxine Belnap.  At her death she had 40 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. The power and influence of this selfless, caring woman will continue for generations to come.

Join us to celebrate her life.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at the Canyon View Stake Center, 2050 North Main, Centerville, Utah.  A viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah and Monday morning from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.  Interment- Memorial Lakeview Cemetery.  Obituary written by daughter, Linda Green.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

In lieu of flowers send donations to Latter-day Saint Charities (Humanitarian Services) either at this link https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services or the one listed below.