Pauline Anne Baker, age 76, of Kimberling City, Missouri

Pauline Anne Baker, age 76, of Kimberling City, Missouri, passed away April 2, 2023, at home with family nearby. She entered this life July 15, 1946, the daughter of Clarence and Evelyne (Weiskircher) McWilliams in Rockford, Illinois. Pauline was joined in marriage December 31, 1966, to the love of her life, John Stephen Baker.

With crafty hands, Pauline was an extremely talented cake decorator and owned her own business in her home for twenty years in Illinois. She dedicated many hours volunteering in her community and at Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church, whether it was preparing food for meals, organizing yard sales, and anything in between. Pauline enjoyed crocheting and creating beautiful works of art. Throughout her years, Pauline stood strong throughout her illness with a sense of humor and unwavering love for her family. The memories and moments created through an incredible lifetime will be cherished by all.

Pauline is survived by husband of fifty-six years, John Baker of Kimberling City, Missouri, as well as her children: Chuck (Betsy) Baker of Pecatonica, Illinois; Rob (Carme) Baker of Easley, South Carolina; Andrea (Darin) Forbes of Adairsville, Georgia; Mark (Eloise) Baker of Pecatonica, Illinois; and Mike (Danielle) Baker of Rockford, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Chloe Forbes, Ethan Small, Jonathan Baker, Sam Winkel, Makenzie Baker, Ethan Baker, Jordi Baker, Alyssa Baker, Noah Baker, Ryden Baker, Gabriel Baker, and Ella Baker; siblings: Bob (Peggy) McWilliams of Arizona, Glenn (Laurie) McWilliams of Illinois, Bonnie Wilson of Michigan, Bernie (Nancy) McWilliams of Illinois, Bill (Judy) McWilliams of Illinois, Frank (Dawn) McWilliams of Wisconsin, Ellen (Clay) Halcom of Arizona, and Ed McWilliams of Illinois; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Don McWilliams.

There will be celebrations of life held in Kimberling City, Missouri, and in Rockford, Illinois, at a later date. Pauline will be inurned at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com