Ester Baxter

Ester Faye Baxter, age 86, of Greenville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born on August 4, 1939, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Fern Chamberlain and Amanda Allen.

Ester grew up in the Grand Rapids area and carried with her throughout life a warm, gentle spirit that naturally drew others in. She cherished time spent with family, and some of her happiest memories came from camping trips and long days surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Those moments-filled with laughter, stories, and the quiet contentment of simply being together-were the times she held closest to her heart.

On July 15, 1997, Ester married Bill Baxter, with whom she shared many loving years until his passing. She made her home in Greenville, MI, where she lived a simple but deeply meaningful life centered around family, faith, and the people she loved.

Ester is survived by her children: Chris Beard and Robert McDonald Sr.; her grandchildren: Luke Schuster, Gage VanPolen, Gary VanPolen, Steven VanPolen, Tiffany Gamache, Taushia Connell, Antonina Russo, Terri Guajardo, Steven Russo, Robert "Scottie" McDonald Jr., and Bradley McDonald; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Sandra Pinckney, who held an important place in her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill Baxter, her son Clarence VanPolen, and her daughter Rebecca VanOrder.

A memorial service will take place at a later date at Kingdom Hall in Greenville, MI; details will be announced when arrangements are complete.

In honoring Ester's memory, the family encourages memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Ester's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Baxter family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.