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Evelyn “Jerry” Baker

Evelyn "Jerry" Baker
Evelyn Jeraldine “Jerry” Baker, nee Reeves, 85, of Marissa, IL, born September 13, 1937, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Tuesday January 31, 2023, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.  Jerry, as she was affectionately known, was a homemaker, working tirelessly to feed and clothe her family of 10.  Once her nest was empty, she began working at Sparta Wal-Mart, a job she truly enjoyed and where she made many friends.  She also volunteered at the former Community Closet in Marissa.  She enjoyed traveling, having been all over the US, parts of Europe, and briefly resided in Australia with her family. Her faith was very important to her and was a past member First Baptist Church in Marissa.  She was an accomplished seamstress, cook, Scrabble player, loved trivia nights and doing embroidery, but her greatest joy came in the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mrs. Baker was preceded in death by her loving husband John Baker, Jr, whom she married on October 3, 1953, in Alorton, IL and who passed away October 9, 2013, father Elzie T. Reeves, mother J. Everette (Blackwell) Rody, brother-in-law Bob Gregory, granddaughter Windy Schneidenbach, a grandson in infancy – Jeremy Baker and her inlaws – John S. and Carrie Vee Baker.
Leaving behind to mourn her passing are her eight children – John (Pamela) Baker, III of Marissa, IL, Mary (William Gosnell) Schneidenbach of Kirkwood, MO, Karen (Hubert Jr.) Kruse of Washington, MO, Karl (Nina) Baker of Ispei, Germany, Diana (Eddie) Kane of Marissa, IL, William (Sharmilla) Baker of Waverly, IA, Elizabeth (Martin) Kehoe of St. Libory, IL and Rebecca (Glenn) Pearl of St. Louis, MO, one sister – Mary Ann Gregory of Washington, MO, 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and many others in the large blended families.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to Sonshine Corner Thrift Shop in Marissa, IL.
Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday February 3, 2023, and again from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday February 6, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL. The split visitation times are necessary to accommodate out of town relatives.
Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday February 6, 2023, at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL with Pastor Homer Hanshaw officiating.  Interment will follow at Marissa TWP Cemetery.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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  1. Bruce Schuetz says:

    A nice lady who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

  2. Carol Mercer says:

    Such a loss. Jerry was my contemporary, and I always enjoyed being in her presence. Her smile, good humor, and Christian attitudes made her very approachable and loveable. I can attest to what a good mother she was because I had her children in high school. Since she raised her family to be good Christians, I know their faith will help provide comfort. The angels above welcomed her home.

  3. Bill & Sandy Muskopf says:

    Love & hugs to Jerry’s family..she was a good friend…. Sandy & Bill Muskopf

  4. CURTIS PAUL LAWSON says:

    The Baker family was a big part of my childhood while living in Marissa. My siblings were in the same age bracket as some of the John and Jerry’s offspring. We saw a lot of each in school and church. During my return visits to Marissa, I enjoyed my conversations with Jerry. Years after me moving away from Marissa, and close church camp friend Amelia moved to town and wound up working with Jerry at Walmart, becoming good friends. Jerry was amused to be in the middle of two surprises, each planned by me and Amelia to surprise her in my anticipated visit. Naturally, I’m the one who got her good. My last conversation with Jerry was a couple years ago as I phoned her to notify of Amelia’s sudden passing. Jerry will be missed as she leaves her legacy through the wonder raising of her 8 children. Prayer uplifted for peace and comfort for the whole Baker clan. Love you all!

  5. Stan and Bev Lewis says:

    Sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. God Bless

  6. Sherri Wildt says:

    To all the “Baker Children”, Ken and I send our deepest condolences on the death of your mother. Both of your parents were very special people. I can still hear your dad praying – such beautiful comforting words in his own quiet way. Your mother was always so cheerful and a blessing to me. Whether it be Bible School or a committee, I enjoyed working with her. I pray your memories will give you strength and healing. Love to all.

  7. Cathy Sinn Flowers says:

    John, Mary, and Karen,
    I am so very sorry about the passing of your mom. She sounded like a remarkable woman. May God grant you the peace that only He can give. My prayers…

7 Comments

  1. John, Mary, and Karen,
    I am so very sorry about the passing of your mom. She sounded like a remarkable woman. May God grant you the peace that only He can give. My prayers…

    Reply
  2. To all the “Baker Children”, Ken and I send our deepest condolences on the death of your mother. Both of your parents were very special people. I can still hear your dad praying – such beautiful comforting words in his own quiet way. Your mother was always so cheerful and a blessing to me. Whether it be Bible School or a committee, I enjoyed working with her. I pray your memories will give you strength and healing. Love to all.

    Reply
  3. Sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. God Bless

    Reply
  4. The Baker family was a big part of my childhood while living in Marissa. My siblings were in the same age bracket as some of the John and Jerry’s offspring. We saw a lot of each in school and church. During my return visits to Marissa, I enjoyed my conversations with Jerry. Years after me moving away from Marissa, and close church camp friend Amelia moved to town and wound up working with Jerry at Walmart, becoming good friends. Jerry was amused to be in the middle of two surprises, each planned by me and Amelia to surprise her in my anticipated visit. Naturally, I’m the one who got her good. My last conversation with Jerry was a couple years ago as I phoned her to notify of Amelia’s sudden passing. Jerry will be missed as she leaves her legacy through the wonder raising of her 8 children. Prayer uplifted for peace and comfort for the whole Baker clan. Love you all!

    Reply
  5. Love & hugs to Jerry’s family..she was a good friend…. Sandy & Bill Muskopf

    Reply
  6. Such a loss. Jerry was my contemporary, and I always enjoyed being in her presence. Her smile, good humor, and Christian attitudes made her very approachable and loveable. I can attest to what a good mother she was because I had her children in high school. Since she raised her family to be good Christians, I know their faith will help provide comfort. The angels above welcomed her home.

    Reply
  7. A nice lady who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

    Reply

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