Mae Louise Baldridge

Mae Louise (Perisho) Baldridge is celebrating her new, pain-free life with her Lord, having left this life on Jan.6, 2016. Mae was born October 28, 1915 at the family farm, called Airy Knoll, near Paris, IL to Calvin Edward Perisho and Beatrice Evelyn Bouslog. She worked hard through the depression, on the farm with her brother, George. They were joined later by 2 sisters Dorothy Haney (VA) and Marjorie Miller. Two brothers, Martin &Allen died as infants. She was truly one of that greatest generation, going thru tough times with quiet dignity. She worked for a year after HS waiting for a scholarship and then went the University of Illinois, where she received her BS. She met her husband, Ivan S. Baldridge, there and they married on August 30, 1936. After having their 2 children, Ivan was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and told to move to a dry climate like Arizona. In 1945 they left family and jobs and came west in a car pulling a trailer, arriving in the fall. Housing was in short supply following WWII so a trailer park on Van Buren was their first AZ home. Mae worked at various jobs (Home Extension Agent, etc.) in Phoenix, Cactus, Douglas, Wilcox & Casa Grande until settling more permanently in Parker in 1952. There Mae became a respected & tough teacher of Math, Home Ec. and the first Bachelor Survival class which she created. She also completed her Master's Degree over several summers at NAU in Flagstaff. During her career she held offices in various Education organizations including President of the State Vocational Association. After Ivan passed away in 1973, she continued to teach, traveling each summer to various parts of the world with friends, co-workers or on her own. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for herself, children and grandchildren as well as afghans, pillows & quilts. Following her retirement, she moved back to Phx. She continued her world and family travels for many years and maintained many special friendships as well as creating new ones. She continued her family trips to enjoy grandchildren and extended family. She quickly settled in as a volunteer at her church (as she had in Parker), taking on various roles and offices over time. She "retired" from her church desk job at 99, saying it was time for the next generation to take over. She also learned Braille and transcribed books for the Foundation for Blind Children and the Braille ministry at her church, which eventually was countrywide. Her Phoenix grandchildren benefitted from her presence in after school activities, recitals, trips for music camp and special family events around the country. Mae enjoyed her family but also her independence, living in her own home, taking care of business and enjoying her own "book club exchange" friends until her last month. She was an avid reader, crossword &Sudoku fan and jigsaw puzzle builder as well as a knit/crochet expert/teacher. In October we celebrated Mae's 100th Birthday with family, friends, former colleagues& students, from all over the country & state. She loved the time with everyone and she danced!

Mae is survived by her daughter, Norma Will, Visalia, CA, son, Carl Baldridge(Elaine) Phoenix, Grandchildren: Mike Will (Barbie) Exeter, CA, Michelle Will, Visalia, Bryan Baldridge(Kristen) LA, CA, Diana Garrett (Brian) Phoenix and Aaron Baldridge(Courtney)Dallas, TX and great-grandchildren, Jordan & Nathan Baldridge, LA and Olivia & Ruthie Baldridge, Dallas; sister, Dorothy Haney, VA, nephews Ray(MaryBeth), Ron(Kathy) and Russ Perisho(Caroline), Allen Haney(Dianna), Stephen Miller and niece, Jerry King(Bill) and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 23 at 11:00AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3104 W. Glendale Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85051.

Donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, the Foundation for Blind Children (seeitourway.org) or hopeignited.org(a faith based training, educational & service ministry in Africa & Central America) in Mae's Memory For more information or to leave a tribute to Mae please visit www.chapelofthechimesmortuary.com