BAXTER, Iris
It is with sadness that the family of Iris Baxter announces her sudden passing on May 21, 2017 at the age of 76 years. Iris was born in Myrnam, Alberta to William and Sophie Maskalyk, the first of four daughters, on December 8, 1940. She received her schooling in Musidora, Two Hills, and Red Water. She married John (Jack) Baxter on October 25, 1958, and together they had five sons. Iris worked at Mayfair Foods and later at the Eckville Treasury Branch for 37 years. Iris enjoyed making crafts, Christmas-decorating, her flower garden, cooking, and her Ukrainian heritage. She combined two of those loves when she began a catering business in the Eckville area for several years, serving authentic dishes for Ukrainian New Year. She and Jack lived in several different places in the early years of their marriage as Jack was in the Canadian Air Force and was stationed in various posts from Ontario to Alberta. Iris is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Jack; son David (Laura), son Dennis (Sandy), son Darren, son Darrell (Gwen), and son Dale (Janet); grandchildren Darla, Danielle, Dolan, Darcie, Ben, Ryan, Dyrin, Eric, Tyra, Anthony, Liam, and Levi; great grandchildren Bailey, Emily, Jakob, Dominik, Lexi, Ciera, Tiannah, Avah, Nevaeh, Evol, Austin, and Avery; sisters Ethel (Maurice) of Red Water, Vicki (Albert) of Edmonton, and Vivian (Gerry) of Fawcett Lake, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. She was pre-deceased by her father William, her mother Sophie, and her grand-nephew Jonathan. A Celebration of Life for Iris will be held on Monday, May 29 at 1:00 pm at the Eckville Community Center with Sylvan Lake Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breakfast Program at Eckville Elementary School.