Shirley I Baker

Shirley Ilene Baker, 82, passed away in her home, on Saturday, November 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

The daughter of the late Glen W. Gerhold and Verda “Vernelle” (Pope) Gerhold, Shirley was born on September 25, 1942, in Millard, Missouri. She spent her childhood on the Gerhold family farm, where she helped milk cows, raise chickens, tend the family garden, and do other farm chores. That rural community, of good salt-of-the-earth people, with whom Shirley was raised, continued to be important to her throughout her life.

After attending grades K-8 in a local, one room schoolhouse, Shirley graduated from Kirksville High School, after which she served as a bookkeeper and secretary for several local banks, businesses, hospitals, schools, and ultimately, for the family sign company.

Shirley was united in marriage to Terry Baker of Kirksville, Missouri, on May 20, 1967. Together, they built a home, purchased and ran Baker Sign Company, all while raising four daughters. She nurtured her family with a fierce and unwavering spirit. Shirley was a guiding force and shining example of the Proverbs 31 woman, from gardening and canning to sustain her growing family, sewing clothing for her girls, loving and ministering to the needs of her family and neighbors, and bookkeeping for the beloved church in which she and Terry raised their girls. Her four girls all aspire to be just like her when they grow up.

Shirley was a generous person and was always willing to help someone in need. She was supportive of local ministries and of the Brashear and Kirksville Communities. Close, enduring friendships were formed with her neighbors and Christian family. Her ready laugh, ability to know just when a heartfelt and handwritten card were sorely needed, generous spirit, and common sense will be greatly missed.

The essence of Shirley will forever be remembered through fond memories shared between her loving husband, Terry Baker, and her daughters: Wendy Kerby and husband Brett, Shera Martin and husband Quinten, Misty Keene and husband Charles, and Jessica Austic and husband Benjamin. She is also survived by her brother, Glen “Laverne” Gerhold and wife Lela.

Shirley’s greatest delights and extended legacy came through her grandchildren: Abigail Songer and husband Tristan, Samuel Kerby, Nichole Martin, Sean Keene, Lydia Keene, Nathan Keene, Seth Austic and wife Madison, Ethan Austic and fiancé Maren Elmore, and Anushri Fischer and husband Erik, as well as great-grandson, Elias Fischer.

Let a wistful smile of remembrance light Shirley’s loved ones’ faces when they bowl with friends, tend to a garden, play dominoes or cards, successfully complete a circle word puzzle, see a lovely violet or blue bird, drive by the Century Gerhold Farm and Homeplace, or order and enjoy a Frappe with a friend…

A Celebration of Life honoring Shirley will be held on November 16, 2024, at the Playle-Rimer-Millard Family Funeral Chapel’s hospitality building, in Kirksville, MO beginning at 2:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m. Friends, family, and all whose lives were brightened by Shirley’s time on earth, are invited to celebrate the simple but important life of this woman, who lived with love at the center of her being. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Gibbs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Brashear Community Bible Church or to Hospice of Northeast Missouri.

Funeral Arrangements are in the care of Playle-Rimer-Millard Family Funeral Chapel.