Submitted by: Dan Rich

Mildred C. Baker

Nov. 7, 1913 - April 6, 2003

South Bend Tribune 4/8/2003

Mildred C. Baker, 89, of Elkhart, Ind., and formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Sunday, April 6, in East Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness. Her gracious nature, even in her last days, will be remembered by all who knew her. She was born Nov. 7, 1913, in Defiance County, Ohio, to Frank and Gertrude (Smith) Mack. Mildred grew up in Ohio and graduated as salutatorian of her class at Sherwood High School. On June 14, 1933, she married Olen Baker, and they eventually settled in Mishawaka. Mildred retired after 21 years with the Kroger Company. She was a member of Retail Clerks Local #37 and served as their recording secretary for nine years and at one time served as president of the Retirees Club of Local #37. While Mildred's children were growing up, she was very active with the PTA in Mishawaka. She served as the president of Battell School PTA and Main Street Junior High PTA and was vice president of City Council PTA-Mishawaka. Mildred was a giving person who was concerned about others. For years, along with two other ladies, she would collect coupons and purchase large amounts of food for baskets they would make for needy families each Christmas. Ten to 12 families would receive these baskets, which also included toys for the children. The most important part of Mildred's life was her family. They were the center of her life and include a daughter, Joan (Marvin) Bowlby of Bristol, Ind.; two sons, Larry (Penny) Baker of Georgia and James (Judy) Baker of Elkhart; 10 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. Those family members preceding her in death include her husband, two twin daughters, a son, a grandchild, two sisters and a brother.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today, April 8, in Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, in the funeral home with Rev. Fr. William Sullivan officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Ind. Memorials are suggested to Elkhart General Hospice.