Mary Baker

Our loving mother, Mary Baker passed away in her home surrounded by her family on Sept. 30, 2009.

She was born Mary Michaeline Bacon in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 11, 1944. She married Clyde L Baker II and had 2 children, Jill and Craig. Mary was most proud of her children and grandchildren and always thought of them as her greatest successes. As an Air Force family, they lived in various parts of the U.S., as well as abroad in the Azores Islands, until returning home to Springfield, Missouri in 1983.

Mary was proud to be a homemaker, and she was also a talented artist. Mary began studying art in 1973 in the Azores Islands under master artist Sr. Diaz. Her works ranged from realistic portraiture to fun-loving caricatures. Most of the family has her caricatures and other art pieces proudly displayed in their homes. Mary also enjoyed teaching art to her children and grandchildren.

Mary was extremely fond of animals and always took care of them when she could. She would put out seed for the birds, and sunflower seeds for the squirrels. She had a dog, Killer (a sweet little terrier, despite his name) whom she loved dearly and she took in her mother's cat, Princess upon her mother's passing. When those pets passed away, she took in two stray cats, Angel and Baby (who was pregnant and had 2 kittens). Our mother's greatest joy during her illness was watching those kittens play � they brought her so much happiness.

Mary loved all her family so much and was so happy to have so many loved ones. She was especially grateful to her sister Gracie, who brought her communion when she was unable to go to church, and who cared for her so tirelessly.

Mary was a very devoted member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She had a strong faith and loved God with all her heart. And she followed the churches teachings in her daily life. She was kind and caring, loving and humble. And she was always accepting of others. She was truly what we should all aspire to be. She was the kindest, most giving person. She would do anything for you, and she could always see the good in everyone. She was an amazing lady

Mary was preceded in death by her siblings Patricia (Tish), Phyllis, and Marion, her mother Eva, her father Roy Bacon and her stepfather Burley Jones.

She is survived by her two children Jill and Craig, their spouses Steve and Donna, her sisters Gracie and Bonnie, and her brothers Jim, Greg, Rick, Joe, Bill and David, as well as 6 grandchildren, Danielle, Jamie, Darren, Ethan, Jessica and Colton.

A memorial visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Rosary Services starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday Oct. 2, 2009 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 550 E. Walnut St. A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday October 3, 2009 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1609 N. Summit with Fr. Tom McCann celebrant.

Our mother was always thinking of others. Even during her illness and when her death was imminent, she wanted some goodness to come out of it. She was very adamant that her organs be donated, and she has asked that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following organizations:

The Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation http://www.rls.org/Page.aspx?pid=471 507-287-6465

The Smile Train http://www.smiletrain.org/site/PageServer 800-932-9541

The Southwest Missouri Humane Society www.swh.org 417-833-2526

Castaway Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) http://www.carerescue.org/contact.html 417-875-6565

Sacred Heart Church www.sacredheartch.org 417-869-3646

Catholic Relief Services https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?1080.donation=form1&df_id=1080 888-277-7575