Arleen Catherine Baxter, age 76, of Prosser passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. Arleen was born on Dec. 16, 1935 to Delbert and Eileen (Roberts) Catterall in Pasadena, Calif.
In the fall of 1955, Arleen met William "Fred" Baxter on a blind date and on June 8, 1957 she married him in Long Beach, Calif. He was in the Army stationed in San Francisco and Arleen was working for the American Heart Association when their son Mike was born just weeks before Fred was discharged. Daughter Linda, was born while the couple was living in Long Beach. The family acquired a 200 acre farm in the foothills of the Sierras and one in Fayetteville, Tenn., where Arleen lived her passion for farming and raising high quality calves. In 1976 they built their home in Prosser. Arleen drove school bus for Prosser School District for 22 years. She enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling and going to casinos and she cherished time spent with her family. She was a member of the Catholic Church and World Mark.
She is survived by her loving husband William "Fred" Baxter of Prosser, son Mike Baxter of Prosser, daughter Linda Watson of Benton City, grandchildren Neil and Julie Parker and step brothers William Reilly and John Reilly.
She is preceded in death by her parents Delbert Catterall and Eileen Roberts, Uncle Arno E. Roberts, step father William Reilly and her grandmother Nana Roberts.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given to Lower Valley Hospice.
Viewing and visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. With a recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Prosser, with burial to follow at the East Prosser Cemetery in Prosser.
Those wishing to sign Arleen's on line memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.