Mary Margaret Baker

Mary Margaret Baker (Kingsley), surrounded by her children, passed away at home on the afternoon of Monday, January 27th after a long battle with ovarian cancer.  The daughter of Raymond Kingsley and Charlene (Shumate), she was born May 14, 1953 in Edina, MO.  

On October 27, 2019, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Baker.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, Raymond Ray Kingsley and Charlene Ona (Shumate) and her brother, Carl Kingsley.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Shirley and Carol Kingsley and brother Rick Kingsley & Dora of Edina, MO; her sisters-in-law, Rita Beton & Gary of Centralia, MO, Nelda Aldridge of Shelbyville, MO and brother-in-law Fred Baker & Chris of Downing, MO; also surviving are Mary's father & mother-in-law, Lawrence & Delores Baker of Downing, MO.

Mary & Melvin had 4 children who also survive the home; Sherri & Scott Cooper of Hurdland, MO, Larry Baker & Savannah (McCosh) of Athens, TN, Terri & Travis Pinson of Etowah, TN and Carri Baker of Englewood, TN.  Her much beloved grandchildren are Thomas Baker and Brett of Athens, TN, Dylan Lujan of Lakewood, CA, Allison and Dakota Dredge of Cameron, MO, Cheyene Munson of Etowah, TN, Sean Pinson, Brianna Pinson, Alyssa Jenkins, Kali Baker and Ashley Jenkins.  Her step grandchildren include BreeAnna and Jonathan Basler of Macon, MO, Ashley Cooper and Sandy Cooper. The great grandchildren are Brent Baker, Katherine Handzlik, Cole White, Isabella Dredge, Sophie Baker and Cooper Basler.  Mary also had numerous nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved dearly.

Mary was born and raised in Edina MO and attended Edina Elementary School.  She also attended Knox County High School and it was here that she met her soulmate, Melvin Baker.  They were united in marriage on December 4, 1970 in Knox City, MO.  They lived on a small farm north of there where her and Melvin raised their 4 kids.

Melvin and Mary moved several times throughout their 49 years together, but in 2006 they settled in Etowah, TN.  It was here Mary fell in love with the mountains and it was here they retired.  Mary attended Englewood Church of God in TN and enjoyed and loved her brothers and sisters there.  She had several careers over the years, but her favorite job was the one of wife and mother.

Mary's smile was always seen through her eyes.  She brightened every room and always had a kind word for everyone.  She had a giving heart and was loved by all who knew her.  Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and she beamed with pride at their mention.

Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter and Child of God.  Her faith was unbreakable and those who knew her knew this best.  She now rests in the arms of our Lord.