Obituary of Virginia R. A. Baxter

Allegany, NY Virginia R. A. Baxter of 111 W. Main St. passed away unexpectedly Monday (January 4, 2016) at her home. Born June 20, 1929 in Erie, PA she was the daughter of Frederic G. and Ella R. Rickettson Austin. Virginia was a 1948 graduate of Allegany Central School and received a BA degree from Fredonia University. She was a resident of Allegany most of her life where she taught second grade at Allegany Central School from 1952 until 1968. She then worked as a substitute teacher for both the Allegany and Hinsdale school districts. She later worked as a secretary for the First Presbyterian Church in Allegany and for Duggan and Duggan Builders in Allegany. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Allegany where she formerly served as an elder and deacon. She also sang in the choir and was formerly active with the Ladies Guild. She was a member of the Sixty Plus Club in Allegany and enjoyed playing in the Allegany Alumni and Friends Band. Until 1996 she raised and trained Black Labrador guide dogs for "Guiding Eyes for the Blind". She was a former member of the NYS Teacher's Association and the Allegany Teacher's Association and was also involved with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Surviving are a daughter Virginia (Theodore) Kotlarz of East Amherst; 1 son Richard (Kelli) Baxter of Albany, MO; 3 grandchildren Kathryn (Kyle) Townsend, Kenneth (Tchinina) Baxter and Kevin Baxter; 1 great granddaughter Peyton; 1 sister Lois (John) Divelbiss of Reedley, CA and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter Patricia Nohlburg in 1957. Friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday (January 9, 2016) from 1-2pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 44 N. 3rd St., Allegany. A memorial service will begin at 2:00pm at the church. Rev. John Woodring, pastor, will officiate. Burial will take place in Allegany Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 44 N. 3rd St. Allegany, NY 14706. Arrangements are under the direction of the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, Olean.