Rita Elizabeth Baxter

Rita Elizabeth Long Baxter, 89, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, died February 23, 2022 in her home in Windsor.

Rita was born in Washington, DC on August 10,1932, the daughter of Edward Harmon and Marguarite Hayhoe Long.

She  retired from working as a receptionist in the real estate business.   She volunteered for a number of years at the free medical clinic on Jackson Street. Rita was also a former member of the Lake Gaston Lions Club.

Survivors include her sons, Gilbert J. Wood, Jr (Joyce), Ted Wayne Wood (Monika), George L. Wood (Cindy); daughter, Charlotte Ann Steinhoff (Lynn); brothers, Edward H. Long, Jr, Lawrence H. Long (Ampy), Joseph Bernard Long (Sherry); sisters, Carol Ann Avanzato, Marguarite Cecelia Hines; 26 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Warner Owen Baxter; son, Russell Terry Wood; daughter, Donna Lee Blass; and grandchildren, Roger Michael Fox, Terri Lynn Blonk, and Joey Wood.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm Friday, March 4, 2022 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.  Following the visitation, Rita will be cremated and her remains will then be placed alongside those of her late husband in Arlington National Cemetery.

The online guest register may be signed at hockadayfs.com

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial contributions be made in honor of Rita E. Baxter of Roanoke Rapids, NC to:  The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service in Roanoke Rapids.