Carol Jean Baker
Carol Jean Baker, 101, of Holden, Missouri; formerly of Rolla passed away Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Holden Manor Care Center.
Carol was born August 14, 1923 in Atkins, Arkansas the daughter of Guy Ernest Burgess and Elizabeth Frances (Bledsoe) Burgess.
She was raised in Atkins, having graduated from Atkins High School where she played basketball.
She was united in marriage to Quentin Earl Baker on November 7, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The couple resided in Rolla from 1949 to 2022, at which time, Carol moved to Holden to be near family.
She was a 75 year member of First Baptist Church in Rolla.
Survivors include her daughter: Sara Ford of Lancaster, VA; five grandchildren: Susan Brady (Dave) of Virginia; Kristin Anstine (Dwight) of Holden, MO; Melissa Epstein (Grant) of Washington, DC; Brian Baker (Elizabeth) of Marceline, MO and Brett Baker (Susan) of Cairo, MO, daughter-in-law Sheryl Baker of Moberly, MO and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Quentin; son, Daniel and Son-In-Law, William Ford
For Carol’s Holden friends, a memorial service will be held at Holden Manor Care on Thursday, November 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
A second service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 9 at Null and Son Funeral Home in Rolla with Rev. Brian Baker, grandson, officiating.
Interment will follow at Ozark Hills Cemetery in Rolla.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Carol was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very proud of her family, who loved her very much.
Carol was a great bridge player, a voracious reader, a phenomenal cook and a kind, generous person. She enjoyed life to the fullest, traveling often while making sure her hair, nails and clothing were perfect. She had a good sense of humor and liked to hear friends laugh in response to the story of her wedding: When Quentin got his draft notice in 1942 they decided to get married as soon as they could find a minister. They got married three days later at the age of 19 with Quentin’s father’s forged signature on the marriage license (required at the time because they were under 21)! They were married 69 years at the time of Quentin’s death. Just three days before her death, Carol made sure she voted in the 2024 election, then donned a costume for the Halloween party at Holden Manor Care. She served as an inspiration to her family and friends and will be truly missed.
Memorial contributions may be left to First Baptist Church in Rolla.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net
