Doris Ileene Baxter

Doris Ileene (Gillick) Baxter, 84, of Bloomington, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2020 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Born February 13, 1936 at home in Alfordsville, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Forrest Leon and Mary Margaret (Harker) Gillick. Following the death of her mother, Doris was raised on her grandparents’ farm in Alfordsville and attended Glendale and Montgomery Schools. After marrying and moving to Solsberry, she became one of the pioneering women who worked at Bloomington’s RCA television factory. Her life was guided by faith. She was an active member of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church where she served as a greeter and prepared funeral meals for families. She also volunteered in the prison outreach program, baking thousands of cookies for inmates to show them God’s grace and the light of hope. She loved unconditionally. Doris was a caregiver and nurturer throughout her life. As a child she nursed her ill mother and as a teenager she cared for the elderly in a local nursing home. After retiring from RCA, she continued this service. She had several long term patients whom she loved and provided excellent care for until their transition. Many benefited from her patience, kind words, generosity, and skilled hands. She loved antique shops and thrift stores, scouring for old canning jars, all types of antique glassware, and cookbooks. MawMaw passed this hobby down three generations. She also enjoyed the music of Charley Pride, old westerns, and The Andy Griffith Show. Surviving are Doris’s seven children, Diana Ray (Tony) of Solsberry, Victoria Bates of Bloomfield, Deborah Sheppard (Charles) of Spencer; Carla Shake (Perry) of Bloomington, Cynthia Ray-Beatty of Bloomington, Paula McNeal of Solsberry, and David Ray of Solsberry; thirteen grandchildren, Erin Helton (Jeremy), Rachael Jones McAfee (Mike), Brandon Jones, Carly Carter (Dustin), Chad Ray (Sarah), Alyssa Ray (Justin), Tony Ranard (Nate), Samuel Bates, Alexis Ray, Justin Sheppard, Daniel Sheppard (Carmen), Cory Ray, and Matthew Bays (Rebekah); twenty-two great grandchildren, Brent, Ethan, Andrew, Treyce, Hannah, Victoria, Zoe, Tessa, Logan, Weston, Addison, Emery, Conner, Sophia, Lucas, Jasper, Henry, Ellena, Eli, Evan, Harley, and Addison; 2 great-great grandchildren, Nash and Knox; and her brother-in-law, James A. Ray. She was rich in family. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Ema Lee Gillick, the father of her children and husband, Robert W. Ray, husbands Raymond O. Williams and Wesley M. Baxter, a brother, Raymond Junior Gillick, her sister, Patricia Evelyn Gillick, her precious son, Robert William Ray, Jr., and her much loved grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Jones, Elizabeth Ileene Ray, and Michael Robert Ray. Public Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at the Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 from 11:00AM until 1:00PM. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions a private funeral will follow. Doris will then be laid to rest in the Clear Creek Cemetery. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Doris Ileene Baxter

February 13, 1936 - September 11, 2020