Mary Frances (Major) Baker

Mary was born December 25, 1929, in Springfield to William Major and Mary Mae (Woods) Major. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Robert Major.

She married her husband of 75 years on October 1, 1947. They lived southwest of Springfield where they raised their five children. Mary was not only a wife, mother, gardener, and the best cook and baker, but she was the tax collector in Curran Township for 36 years. She developed a close relationship with all the residents of the township. Mary was also a red coat volunteer for Sangamon Auditorium.

She belonged to two bowling leagues, a women’s pinochle group that played all afternoon once a week, and she was an active member of a homemaker’s group where she had a close-knit group of friends.

Mary is survived by her husband, Russell; their five children, Kathy Smith of Springfield, Linda (Edward) Maki of Frankfort, KY, Chuck (Diana) Baker of Friendswood, TX, Bill (Marni) Baker of Springfield, and Bob (Julie) Baker of Springfield; sister, JoAnn Hamende of Springfield; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Rte. 4, Chatham.