Mary E. Baker, age 87, of Monmouth, passed away at 7:45 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Monmouth Nursing Home in Monmouth, Illinois. Mary was born on March 5, 1933 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the daughter of George Leonard and Ada Amelia Meals Pease. She was raised in the Norwood community and attended Center Rural School. She then attended and graduated from Monmouth High School in the class of 1951. Mary married David Eugene Baker on December 6, 1953 in Norwood, at the church. He preceded her in death on September 23, 2004. Mary began work as a clerk stenographer for Illinois Bankers Life Company in Monmouth. After which she was co-owner with her husband in “Baker Electric” for seven years, She was then employed at Monmouth College as Assistant to the Financial Aid Director. Mary then was bookkeeper for Dee Harrison Ford, Inc. for a time and later was office manager at “Cares” of Illinois, Inc in Rock Island, IL. Her next work was as an office assistant for the Department of Human Services for the State of Illinois in Monmouth.. Lastly she was a Bookkeeper at the State of Illinois garage in Monmouth until her retirement . Mary was a longtime member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth where she served as a Deacon and was active in the affairs of the church. She also was instrumental in the formation of the Quad City Support Group of the Head Injury Association, Inc. She has always been active in the affairs and reunions of her class of 1951. Mary is a thirteenth generation direct decendant from passengers who came over on the Mayflower. Mary was truly devoted as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Baker of Monmouth, IL and Carol McKeller and Michael of Elgin, IL. Her son, Dan Baker and Janet of Nashville, TN also survives and her step son, Gary Vail and Marieta of Abingdon, IL. There are ten grandchildren Steve, Sarah, Joe, Mark, Rachel, Maria, Samara, Katie, Kristen, Matthew, and step children Gary and Becky. A number of Great Grandchildren and Nephews and Nieces also survive. She is preceded in her death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Leonard.
A private graveside service is being planned on Thursday by her family. Friends may call and pay their respects to Mary all day on Wednesday at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery. Memorial funds are being established for either the Monmouth Nursing Home or Faith United Presbyterian Church of Monmouth, Illinois. To leave a remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
