Mabel (Moses) Carpenter Mower Baker, 95, of Galesburg, passed away at 12:31 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020.
She was born March 14, 1925, in Palmer, Illinois, one of 13 children of Guy and Nina (Ginger) Moses. She married James “Ernie” Carpenter in February 1946, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death September 5, 1974. She then married Howard E. Mower in November 1977, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death October 20, 1986. She later married Fred Baker in February 1991 in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. He preceded her in death July 12, 2006.
Mabel worked for the former Intra-State Telephone Company in Galesburg for 30 years. She then was secretary/treasurer of United Beverage Company/Distillers and Brewers Distributors for 12 years. She retired in 1990. She was raised and educated in Palmer and Taylorville, Illinois, graduating from Taylorville High School in 1942. Mabel was a member of the Community of Christ in Galesburg and had been active with the Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Mabel honored family. She was dedicated to keeping her family in touch with one another. She hosted a number of trips with sisters, brothers, nieces and other family members. She wrote a book about her life and sent a copy to family members to enable them to hold on to her family’s history. She helped plan and organize the annual Moses Family Reunion up until the last few years and remained very close to her immediate family. She is survived by a brother, Norman (Judy) Moses of Palmer, Illinois; a sister, Lila Brooner of Independence, Missouri; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
She is also survived by her step daughters, Ellen (John) Spittell of Galesburg and Deanna (Ron) Staake of Los Angeles, California; a step son, Steven (Namele) Baker of Rancho Palos Verdes, California; and five step grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; brothers; Elmer, John, Gomer, LeRoy, Rex, Arnold, and Tom Moses; sisters, Maude Lambert, Clara Hill, and Vivian Oller; and a step son, Howard “Hod” Mower.
Due to social distancing limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, private family graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2020, in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg, where she will be laid to rest next to her first husband, Ernie. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community of Christ of Galesburg or Taylorville or the National Railroad Hall of Fame. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
