WILDA BAKER

Wilda Mae Baker, a longtime resident of Cobden, Ill., passed away Friday, July 13, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She was surrounded by her family.

She was born July 6, 1924, in Perks, Mo., to Henry and Emma Miller Brent. She married Denver Baker on Oct. 26, 1940. They worked in Southeast Missouri for a few years, working in the fields and starting their family. The Bakers moved to Cobden in the early 1940s. Mr. Baker died in 1999, and Mrs. Baker moved to Anna, Ill.

Mrs. Baker was a hard-working Christian woman whose purpose in life was to be with and care for her family. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Keller of Anna; a daughter and son-in-law, Wilma and Wayne Burtrum of Flint, Mich.; and a son, Randy Baker of Alto Pass, Ill.; four loving grandchildren, Robin Richardson, Glen Woodby, Karen Smoot and Kyle Hartung. She leaves behind three great-grandchildren, the joys of her life, Randy Richardson, Wendy Woodby and Evan Smoot; a sister, Jonell Choate; and brothers Clarence "Bud" Brent and H.B. Brent.

She joins in death her husband, parents, a brother and sister and an infant son.

Those fortunate to know Wilda Baker will grieve her passing and will remember and love her always.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2001, at Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Cobden, with the Rev. Jerry Elder officiating. Internment will be in the Cobden Cemetery. Friends may call at Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Cobden from 6-8 p.m. Sunday.

Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Cobden is in charge of the arrangements.