Mary Margaret Lathers Baker, 105, passed away May 12, 2026, at Gasconade Manor Nursing Home in Owensville.
She was born Jan. 16, 1921, the youngest of three girls, to Austin and Effie Lathers.
She grew up in Duluth, Minn., where she became an accomplished figure skater and aided in costume design for the early ice follies.
Mary met Donald Clyde Baker at Iowa State University and they were united in marriage on May 2, 1942, before he was sent to China with the Army during World War II.
She earned her degree in textiles and design and also studied nutrition and continued her research on the subject throughout her lifetime.
Mary loved Bible study, sewing, quilting and parades. She was often called upon to hostess bridge parties and New Year’s Eve events where she would oversee the roasting of a whole hog.
During World War II she served her country by working with blue prints in a naval shipyard.
Mary was preceded in death by husband, Donald; parents, Austin and Effie; two sisters; and one grandson.
She is survived by children Clyde Austin Baker and wife Jeanne, Lee Howard Baker and wife Karen, and Fay Ellen Baker Owsley and husband Rick; grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Mary believed in the Lord Jesus Christ early in her life and her heart’s desire was to serve Him. She did that faithfully as a loving wife and mother. She is “safely home.” “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
