Dec. 15, 1931 – Sept. 27, 2024
Mary P. Baker, 92, Rochester, passed away at 4:43 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Woodbridge Health Care, Logansport.
She was born on Dec. 15, 1931, in Rochester, the daughter of Clarence and Virginist (Calloway) Rentschler.
Mary was a lifetime resident of Fulton County and graduated from Fulton High School in 1945. She worked on the family farm until she married Oris G. Baker on Dec. 9, 1950. He preceded her in death in 2019.
Mary worked as a homemaker and at Wiles Department Store in Rochester. Later she worked at Webster Florist at South Mud Lake before becoming one of Fulton County’s Women of Business, owning and operating Mary’s Stitch and Knit Shop on April 2, 1970. Mary designed many wedding dresses for more than 37 years. She continued making alterations and quilts until 2020 after the passing of her love of her life, Oris.
She attended Ball State University and later became a certified high fashion designer and sewing instructor in June 1970. Mary was a member of the Fulton Baptist Temple Church and had been a member of Metea Baptist Church. Besides fashion design and sewing, she had a love for flowers.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary Lynne (Phillip) Frye, Fulton, Rebecca (Jack) Aylor, Lake Zurich, Ill.; grandchildren, Matthew (Amanda) Frye, Aaron (Hannah Johnson) Frye, Jason (Cheraline) Frye, Andrew (Laura) Mulligan; great-grandchildren, Aislin Frye, Aleah Frye, Matthew Frye II, Sadie Frye, Lily Mulligan, Gavin Mulligan; step-grandchildren, Gavin Huff and Madisyn Huff; sister, Joyce Powlen, Kewanna.
Preceding her in death were her parents and sisters, Janice Neiderer and Lettie Jane Leininger.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, at the Fulton Community Center, 204 E. Dunn St., Fulton. Friends may visit from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at the Fulton Community Center and one hour prior to service Wednesday. Burial will follow in the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton Baptist Temple or the Fulton-Liberty Township Lions Club. Arrangements are being handled by Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.
