Wilma Jean Baker

Wilma Jean Baker, 88, of Danville, IL, passed on Monday, April 9, 2012 in her home with her immediate family in attendance. She had been battling ovarian cancer for the past year and was in hospice for the last two weeks of her life. Wilma was born (Wilma E. Gray) at home in Henning, IL on April 25, 1923. She was the only child of Maudie Marie (Berry) and William Ellis Gray. The family moved to Rossville when Wilma was twelve and later graduated from Rossville High School in 1941. She married Clark E. Baker on April 3, 1947 in Rossville, at the Rossville Christian Church. They remained married for 65 years. She is survived by her husband Clark, two daughters, Deborah Baker of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Betty (Martin) Johnson of Champaign IL, as well as two grandchildren, Claire Johnson and Thorin Johnson. Before marrying, Wilma worked at the US Post Office and Layton's in Rossville as well as Penry's Furniture in Danville. After her marriage she devoted herself to being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She was a supportive and loving wife as well as a giving and involved mother and grandmother. She made efforts to expose her two daughters to various experiences and valuable life skills and also enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren's activities. She had the opportunity to see both of her grandchildren graduate from high school. Wilma enjoyed home decorating and each time the family moved, she used her talent to turn each house into a comfortable home. She took floral arranging class and would create lovely arrangements to enhance the cheerfulness of each room. She enjoyed getting together with friends and would always make everyone feel welcome in her home. Outside of home, she was a member of the Women's Auxiliary at the American Legion in Rossville, and a women's club in Downers Grove, IL. In their later years, Wilma and Clark enjoyed their winters in Florida, their travels around the United States, and their cruises. A memorial service to celebrate the Life of Wilma J. Baker has been scheduled for 11:00am on Friday, April 13, 2012 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion Street in Danville. Pastor James Blue has been asked to officiate the service. Private inurnment will take place at Danville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made in Wilma's name to the donor's local hospice. Please join Wilma's family in sharing of memories, photos, and videos of Wilma's life thru her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com