Mary Jean Baker, 73, of Mexico, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in Rocheport, at the home of her granddaughter, Morgan.

Funeral Services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Fran Schnarre officiating.  Burial will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Visitation is Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Mary was born on July 9, 1949, in Mexico, Missouri. She was the 2nd of 13 children born to Virgil and Jacqueline (Huntley) McDonald. She was raised in Benton City and on June 28, 1968, she married Mancil Baker, Jr. in Mexico. They were married 50 years until he passed away on August 13, 2018.

Mrs. Baker had worked for Florsheim Shoe Factory until becoming a stay-at-home mom until her children were in school.  She then went to work at Willerts and Roberts until retiring in 2008.

Mary enjoyed listening to music, singing, camping and fishing. She also liked going to the races. The love she had for her dogs was great and many thought they were her favorite kids. Above all, Mary loved her family. She was proud of them, especially her grandchildren. She always made sure to attend their many games and activities.

Survivors include three daughters, Tina Baker of Mexico, Marilyn (Chris) Newman of Mexico and Nancy (Lee) Nichols of Laddonia; six grandchildren, Ryan Beasley of Columbia, Morgan Beasley (Jesse Jones) of Rocheport, Michael Newman (Shelby Toalson) of Lee's Summit, Jordan Newman (Brit Wilson) of Mexico, Amber Nichols of Laddonia and Erin Nichols of Laddonia; and 11 siblings, Kathy Palmer of Little Rock, Arkansas, Marie Kotsubo of San Jose, California, Patty McDonald of Mexico, Barbara (Bob) Deimeke of Thompson, Billie Mae (Kenny) Hake of Sedalia, Cindy (Robert) Minney of Mexico, James (Beth) McDonald of Savannah, Michelle (Ron) Benton of Holts Summit, Randy (Tricia) McDonald of Mexico, Candy (Tonya) McDonald of Holts Summit and Amy (Steve) Farris of Mexico.

In addition to her husband, Mancil, Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Jacqueline McDonald; one sister, Connie Benton; and two brothers-in-law, Danny Palmer and Harry Kotsubo.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.