Martha Ann Baize

Martha Ann (Saltzman) Baize, 90, passed away on August 19th, 2025. Her passing was peaceful and of natural causes. She was born on February 17th, 1935, in Mount Vernon, IN, and resided in Evansville, IN, since age thirteen.

Martha lived her 90 years full of warmth and wisdom. She was almost always smiling, never met a stranger, would help any animal that crossed her path, and was a constant seeker of knowledge. She possessed incredible patience, conversation skills that were beyond compare, and a welcoming nature that made people quickly feel at ease. She wore clothing, shoes, and jewelry with creative flair, always looking as if she was on her way somewhere that mattered! She was a highly intelligent person, with an exceptional penchant for world history. When asking her opinion about a situation, she tried to think from the perspective of others’ needs. She was a person who spoke up for herself and everyone, empathy was second nature for her. For over 40 years, she and her husband Billy owned and operated several bakeries in Evansville and the surrounding area. This included owning and operating a traveling bakery, Baize’s Mobile Bakery, at a time when food trucks weren’t as common as they are today. The main bakery Martha and Billy owned was Fresh-N-Tasty Bakery, on the east side of Evansville. Martha managed all aspects of the bakery and was a master cake decorator, her skill and artistic expertise was obvious. Over the years, many friends and family members worked at the bakery. Along with the customers and employees, these people became part of Martha’s heart. She was truly gifted in countless ways. If you were her family member, her friend, her neighbor, her employee, or her coworker, she cared about you, and you likely knew it. After the passing of her husband Billy in 2002, Martha chose to continue working. She found joy in the friends she met working in local retail stores, including Elder-Beerman and most recently, Marshall’s. She worked there until 2020 and continued to mention she would go back to work if she could. She loved to be around people and liked being part of the world. She had a loving presence and was beautiful inside and out. She will be missed more than can be expressed, forever.

She is survived by her three children, daughter, Crystel Henry-Amin, son Lynley Baize, and daughter, Dr. Lancesa Baize Clausheide (Kevin); nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends, Johnnie Ligon and Mary Rick, all of whom were very dear to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Baize; her son-in-law, Nader Henry-Amin; her brothers, Walter “Bud” Saltzman, Donald Saltzman, Ronald Saltzman, Warren Saltzman; her sister, Zelda (Saltzman) Conyers; her parents, Anna and Walter Saltzman, and her long-time friend, Ed Sellner.

The funeral service will be held at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN, 47714, phone 812-476-1351, at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 25th, 2025. Friends may visit from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, on Sunday, August 24th, 2025, and from 10:00 AM, until service time on Monday. Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in Evansville.

Memorial contributions may be made to P.A.A.W.S. NO-KILL Animal Rescue (paaws.org), or any other animal rescue of your choice. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com