MaryAnn Hansen-Baxter

MaryAnn Hansen Baxter passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020. She was born October 10, 1933 to Dr. Valentine Pardo and Rose Palazzolo Pardo in Monroe, Arkansas. Growing up with a Cuban father and Sicilian mother in eastern Arkansas provided MaryAnn with an interesting childhood. She loved to tell stories of assisting her father in his medical practice and traveling to New York with her mother to visit relatives when she was young.

MaryAnn attended grade school at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Helena and high school at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock where she graduated in 1951. Upon graduation, MaryAnn journeyed to San Antonio, Texas to attend college at Our Lady of the Lake. She made lifelong friends (Sue, Berna and Frankie) and met her husband Edwin Hansen.

MaryAnn and Ed returned to North Little Rock where they started Hansen’s Drive-In, originally at 18th and Main Street and then at JFK & McCain. She worked tirelessly with her husband for 20 years to create a well-loved North Little Rock establishment that is still talked about on social media, famous for “6 hamburgers for $1.00” and the “Ranch Burger”.

In 1977, MaryAnn began working at the Willow House in North Little Rock as the Activities and Craft Director for seniors. Her interest in the care and well-being of the elderly transitioned into MaryAnn being hired by the Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. She worked with them until the mid-1990’s when she retired to care for her own aging parents.

MaryAnn married Joe Baxter on 12/10/1992. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining, cooking, gardening and dancing. Every year when her son, Val, organized his annual Hoop-Fest-3-on-3 charity basketball tournament, MaryAnn and Joe were volunteering and helping in any way possible to ensure that the event was a success.

MaryAnn was a member of the North Little Rock Progressive League and dedicated parishioner at St. Patrick Catholic Church and later Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was a member of PEO-Chapter X, Friends of the Rep, Junior League of North Little Rock, The Flaming Spoons cooking group, Arkansas Symphony Guild and The Dance Club.

MaryAnn was preceded in death by her parents and husbands. She is survived by her children, Valentine Hansen (Susan) of Little Rock, RoseAnn Hansen of Atlanta, Georgia, Stuart Hansen (Julia) of Franklin, Tennessee, Kathy Rook (Scott) and Drew Baxter (Laura Beth) both of Little Rock. Her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, include Jack Hansen of Little Rock, Carter and Olivia Hansen of Franklin, Tennessee, Andrew France, John Robert, Charlie and Vivian Baxter all of Little Rock. In addition, MaryAnn leaves behind many other family relatives and lifelong friends who will miss her smile, quick wit and “up for anything” attitude.

The family would like to thank Debbi Gibson and Leah Baldridge for their devoted caregiving and companionship for MaryAnn as well as her dear Bridge Group friends of 50+ years who made it possible for MaryAnn to continue to play monthly with them until her passing.

Memorials and donations in her name can be made to Heifer International, Arkansas Children’s Hospital and The Trees Remember, organizations that MaryAnn actively supported.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home.  On Thursday, February 27, 2020, the Rosary will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 12:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Eddie Lee, Vaughn McQuary, Sam Medford, Carlos Nash, Curtis Nash and Dag Skinner.