Margaret Baker

Margaret Baker, 82, of Oblong, IL, passed away on May 31, 2022, at Arbor Rose of Robinson, IL. She was born September 16, 1939, in Oblong, the daughter of Jonathan Edward & Ola Pauline (Dennis) Richey. She grew up in the Oblong area and was a 1957 graduate of Oblong High School. On June 14, 1957, she married Duane Allen Baker, and to this union were born three beloved children: Debra, Ronald, and Mark. Much of the next season of her life was dedicated to raising them into the good parents and grandparents they have since become. They will each remember this dear soul as a devoted wife and exceptional mother who did everything she could to make their house a home. One way she did this was through her delicious cooking. She made a mouth-watering homemade potato soup, and her pies were the stuff of legend. At Christmas, her loved ones collectively looked forward to her delectable fudge. She also supported her children by attending their various 4-H events, band concerts, church events, and other activities they were involved in.

Though her primary calling was to make a home for her family, she also worked for Newton Photography, and over the course of 20 years, she hand-colored countless sepia-tone and black & white photographs with precision and skill. Her creative talents didn't end there, as she was passionate about drawing in the still-life medium and was known to sew outfits and dresses for numerous family and friends. In fact, she sewed both of her daughters-in-law's wedding dresses as well as her own square-dancing dress that she put to work on the dance floor alongside Duane!

When taking a long view of her 82 years, one thing becomes remarkably clear: Margaret was dedicated to both her husband and her God. Together, the Bakers joined Penetration '79, an evangelistic mission that found them sharing the gospel throughout Ecuador for four weeks. Though this trip found her WAY outside of her comfort zone, God used it for His glory and her good. Back home, Duane and Margaret were staples at the Oblong First Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder while she served as the church secretary for a time. There was hardly a morning that went by that didn't find them prayerfully reading through an Upper Room devotional. However, this wasn't the only reading she'd do in a day (not by a long shot!) This bookworm loved reading to her kids and grandkids and enveloped herself in innumerable Christian romance and mystery novels, which she would often pick up at the Oblong Public Library. This led to her joining the Friends of the Oblong Library, with whom she was able to work as a volunteer. Never one to let the dust settle, she was also a longtime Mary Kay consultant.

Through the years, Margaret faced a number of health struggles. She was a 25-year survivor of breast cancer and was recently receiving tiresome transfusions and infusions to aid in her fight against myelodysplastic syndrome, but you'd have never known it. She had an incredible inner strength and a resiliency that was forged in the fires of daily prayer. Now that her time on earth has ended, we take great comfort knowing that the God she prayed to for so long has now enveloped her in His loving arms.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 65 years, Duane Allen Baker (Oblong, IL); by her children & their spouses, Debra J. & Randy Ruddell (Suwanee, GA), Ronald D. & Terie Baker (Oblong, IL), Mark A. & Wanda Baker (Bradenton, FL); by her grandchildren, Brent & Sarah Ruddell, Brandon & Amelia Ruddell, Brad Ruddell, Jonathan & Sabrina Baker, Philip & Laura Baker, Lance & Lauren Baker, Kyle & Kathryn Baker, Daniel & Jordan Baker, Wayne & Amanda Baker, Victor Baker, and David Baker; by 25 great-grandchildren; by her sisters, Shirley Cross (Oblong, IL), Susan Urfer (Willow Hill, IL), and Donna Reid (Ewa Beach, HI); by her aunt, Louise Black (Oblong, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Danny Richey; and two great-grandchildren in infancy, Adelaide Belle Ruddell and Treasure Joseph Ruddell.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM on Thursday, June 9th, at the Oblong First Christian Church. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday at the church with Pastor Shane Bopp officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the White Oak Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Oblong Children's Christian Home" or to the "Oblong First Christian Church", with envelopes available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.