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Donna Kay Baxterof Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 24, 2025
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Donna Kay (Fritz) Baxter, 73, of Kadoka passed away on Sunday, August 24 at Philip Hospital, surrounded by family.
Donna was born on March 28, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas to Clyde Darrel Fritz & Ollie Mae (Moore) Fritz. Donna was the eldest of four children. With the tragic passing of her father, she was forced to grow up fast. She became then what we know of her today: a constant caretaker. She was tasked with much responsibility caring for her younger siblings’ needs. It was common to see her hauling them around in her AMC Javelin. She’d grab 50¢ worth of gas, stop for some thrifty snacks to appease the boys in the back ducking to the “floorboards” so her friends wouldn’t see, all so she could enjoy a bit of social time at the local Drive-In. In 1970, Donna graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. After graduation, she met the love of her life, her “Blue Light Special,” David, while working at K-Mart. They were married on December 21, 1974. Soon after they had two children, Dustin in 1977 and Dana in 1979, joining older brother Christopher, born in 1970. The desire to care for others was ever-present, prompting them to become foster parents. For over 20 years they lovingly cared for nearly 400 foster children; this would be one of their greatest joys in life. Two of these children would become forever theirs, Beau joining the family in 1988, and Randi in 1998.
Throughout the years, Donna held various jobs, handling accounting and bookkeeping tasks, and dabbling in hair styling for a bit. As many may recall, her updo, big curl, and beehive styles were flawless; she was undeniably beautiful. Next, and lasting for many years, she opened her own daycare, providing a comforting space for many. Spending time with family always brought her joy, times spent with cousins playing cards, fishing, camping, cooking obsessively, and sharing endless laughter. She had a wit about her that could zing you and make you feel special all at the same time. Grandma, or Yamma, was her greatest title, as she loved her grands like no other. She loved to follow all their activities; Friday nights were off limits for calls as she had 3 football games to keep up with! Every year, no matter how old, she would sing to them on their birthdays, she made the best mac and cheese, and always made time for popcorn, pizza, and pop nights. Food was love and boy could she cook (and pack a freezer). David and Donna moved around to many places over the years, the latest spent in Wall and Kadoka. Along the way they met many friends, of which she would call family and would always have a “sodee pop in yonder” ready for them. She loved with all she had, and we all knew it – she always got the last one in telling us she loved us more. The later years may have been difficult, but the love and kindness of those around them will be something we are forever grateful for.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children Chris (Deborah) Baxter of Trimble, MO; Dustin (Kaycee) Baxter of Ft. Pierre; Dana (Chad) Eisenbraun of Kadoka; Anne Jo (Brandon Smith) Spotted Bear of Wall; and Randi (David Rieger) Baxter of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Austin (Amy), Keyvin (Maddie), Kaylee (Reese), Dustin Jr., Ravin, Ashley, Gracie (Turner), Kaylen (Reina), Darby, Karson, Cooper, Tyson, Zaivian, Lincoln, and Nola; great-grandchildren: Ella Grace, Madi, Westyn, and Benji; siblings: Don (Karen) Fritz of Liberty, MO; Denny (Becky) Fritz of Kansas City, MO; and Diana (Jerry) Griffith of Elm Springs, SD; sisters-in-law: Cathy (Dennis) Moyer of Kansas City, MO and Sherry Christian of Lathrop, MO; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her best friend and husband of nearly 49 years David Baxter; son Beau Spotted Bear; father Clyde Fritz; mother Ollie Mae Gomer; and step-father John Gomer.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the United Methodist Church in Wall with Pastor Justin Trent officiating.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 23 Kadoka, SD 57543.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - 2:00 p.m.
United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Justin Trent