Brenda Gail Baker, 78, of Galesburg, died at 2:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
She was born November 26, 1945, in Galesburg, the daughter of Gale Clayton and Mary Louise (Smith) Baker.
Left to cherish her memory is one brother, Mike (Martha) Baker of Hartsville, South Carolina; a sister-in-law, Vicki Baker of Mountain Home, Arkansas; three nieces: Chrissy (Tom) Benson of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Barbie (Brandy Dornon) Baker and Becca (J.R.) Knaack, both of Galesburg; and three nephews: James (Kristina) Baker of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Josh (Geri) Downin of Waco, Texas, and Donovan (Jodi) Rush of Longview, Texas. Also surviving are four great-nieces: Alyssa (Tyler) Thurman, Kashmir Rush, and Taylor and Trinity Baker; two great-nephews, Stevie Knaack and James Tyler Baker; one aunt, Beverly Majors; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Robert Baker.
Brenda resided at Plonka Terrace in Galesburg, where she made many friends and touched the lives of those around her. She was a devout Catholic and faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. She belonged to the Red Hat Society and assisted at KCCDD. Brenda was an advocate for disabled rights and participated in Special Olympics and received gold medals in bowling and softball toss. Brenda was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Elvis Presley. Her favorite shows were Golden Girls and Full House. Brenda loved traveling. She was always game to go anywhere, whether it was to the movies, a water park, or Steak n’ Shake (her favorite). She will be deeply missed.
Cremation will be accorded. Memorial visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg. A memorial service will immediately follow at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Father Nathan Hopper will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Plonka Terrace in Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
