Mary Jane “MJ” Fretwell Baxter, 91, died at her home on Jan. 24, 2025.
She was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Texas with her family at a young age.
At 17, she married and moved to Baxter Ranch in Bend, Texas, where she built a legacy of love, family and service.
Mary Jane had a giving heart and a passion for cooking. For many years, she made meals from scratch three times a day, feeding her family, ranch hands and anyone else who showed up. Her love language was food, and she delighted in feeding anyone who would eat.
She adored her two boys and cherished her role as “Granny Jane” to her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She spent countless hours playing Skipbo with her grandkids and teaching them life skills like sewing, painting, cooking and table etiquette.
Her art career began at the ranch. She was a talented artist, and her work was displayed in galleries across Central Texas. She served as secretary for the Central Texas Cutting Horse Association for 17 years, was the director of Buchanan Dam Arts and Crafts, and was a member of the Lampasas Art Gallery.
Mary Jane was also an entrepreneur. She owned and operated video rental stores in San Saba and Lampasas, and ran MJ’s Fabric Shop for 15 years. There, she taught lessons in art, crocheting, knitting and quilting. After retirement, she continued to sew and perform alterations for the public.
Mary Jane was also a woman of quiet service. In her later years, she cared for her older friends, offering rides to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or anywhere they needed to go. She was fiercely independent and generous, always looking out for others.
Known for her straightforward personality, Mary Jane told it like it was. She was the first to offer a compliment, and she kept up with her grandchildren’s friends, greeting them whenever she saw them.
She is survived by her two sons, Randy and wife Donna Baxter of San Saba, and Stephen and wife Sally Baxter of Bend; four grandchildren, Laura Terry, Dana Homeyer, Shane Baxter and Savannah McCoury; nine great-grandchildren; her sister, Melissa Casbeer of Lampasas; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime companion Wendell Jones of Lampasas.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clyde Fretwell; mother, Billie Carpenter; stepmother, Reba Fretwell; sister, Suellen Samuels; brotherin-law, Bob Samuels; stepsister, Juanice Cunningham; nephew, Glen Cunningham; and her stepbrother, Charlie Simon.
A service will be held at Lampasas Methodist Church on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m., with visitation an hour prior.
Donations in her memory may be made to Lampasas Methodist Church.
