Patricia "Patti" Foster Baker

Patricia "Patti" Foster Baker, 60, of Springfield, died at 1:05 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Patti was born November 1, 1949 in Springfield, the daughter of Earl and Mary Lovelace Foster. She married James Baker at their home on November 21, 2002. Patti was employed as an elementary school teacher for District 186 for thirty-four years. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1967 and received her Bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and her Master's degree from Sangamon State University. Patti was a member of Elliott Avenue Baptist Church and also attended 1st United Methodist Church. She belonged to the Illinois Reading Council, Illini Country Club and the Sangamo Club. Patti was an outgoing and considerate woman who loved children and helping others. She enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, golfing, community theatre and spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Earl Foster and sister, Mary Groth. She is survived by her husband, James "Jim" Baker of Springfield; mother, Mary Hawkes of Springfield; stepson, John (wife, Christa) Baker of Springfield; stepdaughters, Kim Simone (husband, Jason) Manning and Kathryn (husband, Brad) Milliman both of Springfield; nine grandchildren, McKenzie and Joe Crockett, Adarian Manning, Andrew, Olivia, Benjamin and Jack Baker and Jack and Luke Milliman; two nieces, Crystal Haynes and Jennifer Jasmon; and two great nieces, Elizabeth and Cassidy Haynes. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial ceremonies at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, 501 W. Elliott Ave., Springfield with Rev. Roger Jackson and Rev. Vincent Rohn officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Elliott Avenue Baptist Church, 501 W. Elliott Ave., Springfield, IL 62702, or to First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.