Mildred S. Baker, “Nanny” of Owensboro, formerly of Hopkinsville, KY, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, where she was surrounded by those who loved her and the caring staff at the Heartford House. Graveside Services will be at 1:30 PM Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Green Hill Memorial Gardens, with burial to follow. Visitation will be at Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home has been entrusted by the family to handle the arrangements.
Born in Alta Vista, Kansas on May 29, 1934, the daughter of the late Stephen Alexander and Cora Ann Stewart. Mildred was proceeded in death by her husband, Martin L. Baker, Sr. in June 2005; her daughter, Charlotte B. Glover in December 2015; and great grandson, Liam Marchand in 2023.
As a young teenager at 19 years old, Mildred’s father took her to the Junction City, Kansas train station to bravely travel to Hopkinsville, KY to marry the love of her life, Martin. Martin and Mildred made their journey to Hopkinsville, KY in 1953 as Martin was called to serve in the Air Force at Fort Campbell, KY. They were a true example of what marriage should look like. Mildred was a devoted wife to Martin over their 51 years of marriage. They also worked side by side for years in the propane gas industry, where Mildred worked part time while working other various bookkeeping jobs. Mildred was a loyal and hard worker. She worked 26 years at Christian Quarries, 16 years at the Christian County Conservation District. In 1985, Mildred began doing part time bookkeeping for Mullins Warehouse and continued to do so for 39 years. She worked up until one month of her passing. Mildred was very fond of Peggy Mullins and the bond they shared over the years. Mildred was very seldom idle. Best known for her southern style cooking. Oh… she made several things that were delicious, but a few of the family favorites; spaghetti, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas sugar cookies, chocolate cake, and her famous cupcakes with homemade icing. She also had an antique popcorn popper that was received as a wedding gift that served up the best popcorn ever. Mildred loved all things sweet, to include any cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream. She loved to read, do crossword puzzles, playing cards, and had unbeatable Scramble skills. Mildred stated doing these things kept her mind sharp. She had a special affection for cats. Many remember the family cat, Gidget, full blooded Siemese and a terror to many. Mildred treasured her family. She was a mean whiffle ball player! She always knew how to put on a great Easter egg hunt. Mildred’s sisters were her best friends. Mildred, Twila, and Aletta were unique in the way they emailed each other every day. If one missed a day, you can bet a telephone followed. Their love for one another was special. They were all about their families and encouraging one another. In 2019, Mildred moved to Owensboro, Kentucky. This wasn’t an easy decision. She had lived in the same house since 1961. It wasn’t a house to her family, it was home. It always smelled like her southern cooking. So much love was in that home along with joy, happiness, laughter, grace, forgiveness, sorrow, tears, and most importantly a Christian foundation. Mildred loved her new neighborhood as well, which made her feel right at home. She enjoyed many nights porch sitting with her beloved friend, Mary Hudson and talking to neighbors passing by.
Mildred was a former member of New Work Fellowship in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Upon moving to Owensboro, Kentucky in 2019, she was a member of Matthew’s Table. She was also a member of the Jolly Canton Homemaker for many years.
Survivors include one son, Martin L. Baker, Jr (Camilla) of Charlestown, IN; one daughter, Diane B. Cayce (Tom) of Owensboro, KY; three grandsons, Christopher Glover (Stephanie) of Texas, Martin L. Baker III (Sarah) of Charlestown, IN, Jett Baker of Charlestown, IN; two granddaughters, Candy Hayes (Jeremy) of Hopkinsville, KY, Kayla Marchand (Corey) of Owensboro, KY; seven great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Gresham (Clint), Trenton Hayes, Hadlee Hayes, all of Hopkinsville, KY, James and Henry Baker of Charlestown, IN, Addie and Henry Marchand of Owensboro, KY; and one great great grandchild Beau Gresham who will arrive in December. Mildred’s special family bond with James, Pauline, JR, and Joseph Riddick of Yorktown, VA.
Mildred was a truly a beautiful lady inside and out. She loved serving her family and others. Mildred never wanted to be the center of attention. She was always the last to fill her plate at dinner. She was a depiction of Proverbs 31. Billy Graham stated it best, “I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed by address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”
In lieu of flowers, honor her memory with contributions to Matthew’s Table of Owensboro, KY, New Barren Springs Church of Hopkinsville, KY or Harvest Baptist in Carmel, IN. Any of these churches would be greatly appreciated by her family.