Rita Baker, age 90, of Bertrand, Mo., formerly of O'Fallon, Ill., born January 29, 1930 in East Chicago, Ind., passed away peacefully December 26, 2020 at Bertrand Nursing & Rehab Center.

Rita grew up in East Chicago, Ind., and graduated from Roosevelt High School. She began her working career as a file clerk for Inland Steel in East Chicago. She attended St. Mary's College in Davenport, Iowa where she met her future husband Jack.  While raising her six children with Jack, Rita attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City, earned a BS in Education, and taught elementary education at Nativity of BVM school in Independence, Mo. She later earned an M.Ed in Special Education, at Eastern Michigan University and taught special education in the Farmington, Mich. public schools until her retirement. Rita attended St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O'Fallon, where she served on the parish council and formed many close friendships. She also enjoyed her time spent playing bridge, attending a book discussion group, and participating in an investment group.

Rita endeared herself to so many with her natural grace, generosity and sincere and compassionate interest in anyone and everyone she encountered.  When she asked 'how are you' or 'how is your family', she insisted upon hearing every detail.

Displaying her Irish charm right to the end, she appeared across Southeast Missouri in television commercials for her nursing home.

She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Margaret O'Donnell; her husband John W. Baker, Jr.; and her son Thomas Baker, and brother-in-law Tom Maloney.

She is survived by her children Jack (Mary) Baker, of Scott City, Mo., Kathleen (Steve) Frederickson, of O'Fallon, Ill., Patty Vilag, of Nolensville, Tenn., Janet (Kevin) O'Hara, of Alameda, Calif., Bill (Tracy Halward) Baker, of Longmont, Colo.; siblings Thomas O'Donnell, Marnie Griffin, Joan Maloney, and Jim O'Donnell; twelve grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Vincent DePaul Society.
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Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 am, Monday, January 4, 2021 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in O'Fallon, Ill., with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. Mrs. Baker will be laid to rest with her husband at Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Ind.