Elizabeth Jean Baxter, lovingly known as “Bets” age 74, of Weidman, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Toni & Trish Hospice House in Auburn, Michigan. A lifelong resident of Weidman, Bets was born on October 3, 1951, to Raymond and Virginia (Bartlett) Baxter.

She was a proud graduate of Chippewa Hills High School, Class of 1969. She spent many years as an inventory specialist for RGIS. If you were fortunate enough to travel across Michigan at all hours of the day and night to help her complete an inventory job, you were one of the lucky ones. The laughter, stories and unforgettable memories from that job live on in many of us who knew her. She later went on to work at the Weidman Post Office, another job she truly loved.

Bets found beauty in the simple things: she loved fishing, playing her favorite card game, shangra-la, she had a deep appreciation for music, especially anything by Reba McEntire or Barbara Mandrell, she even played the guitar, and loved singing "Puff the Magic Dragon" with her nieces and nephews. Many of her friends and family will remember her annual garage sales. She loved meeting new people and chit-chatting with "the regulars” all summer long. Above all, she was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers, never missing a game and cheering them on faithfully to the very end.

Bets never had children of her own, but anyone who knew her knew she loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She was the fun aunt. The favorite. She had a way of making you feel seen, loved and completely accepted—exactly as you were. Her love was generous, and she gave it freely. She taught us the family isn’t defined by marriage or children-it’s defined by love. And she loved us deeply. She shared a rare and beautiful bond with her firstborn nephew, Kurt. They lived together for years; they looked after one another and shared a deep friendship. Their relationship was unbreakable, and they were truly best buddies until the end.

Bets is survived by her two sisters, Barbara Tilmann and MaryEllen (Dale) Simons, both of Weidman. Her cherished nieces and nephews, Kurt Tilmann of Weidman, Laura (Chip) Whaley of Big Rapids, Suzanne (Kevin) Lipar of Livonia, Jodi (Steve) Clark of Remus, Danny (Heather) Baxter of Milford, David (Michele) Baxter of Farwell, Amy Simons of Mt. Pleasant, Chad (Steffanie) Simons of Weidman, her lifelong friend, Shelia Williams, who shared a lifetime of memories, laughter and unwavering friendship with Bets. Her many great-nieces and nephews, Zachary, Natalie, Brady, Mallory, Benjamin, Brittni, Alivia, Garrett, Riley, Meghan, Nicholas, Emilyn and Lucas. And Lastly, her loyal companion and beloved dog, Bailey. Bets is preceded in death by her parents, her brother William Baxter, and her brother-in-law Russell Tilmann.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Scott Monroe for his unwavering kindness to both Bets and Kurt. Special thanks to McLaren Hospice and the Toni & Trish Hospice House for the exceptional and peaceful care provided during her final journey.

In honoring Bets’ wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held this summer. Memorial contributions in memory of Bets may be suggested to the Toni & Trish House. Condolences may also be shared on the Baxter family page at Daggett Funeral Home Barryton.