Norabel J. Baker's Obituary
Cerro Gordo-Norabel J. Baker, 83, of Cerro Gordo, passed away Friday, January 17, 2014 in St. Mary’s Hospital with her family by her side.
Norabel was born October 16, 1930 in Maroa, Illinois, the daughter of Alva E. and Eunice M. (Wentworth) Gardner. She was previously employed as the Head Librarian of the Hope Welty Township Library from 1971-1994. She was a member of the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She sang in the church choir and served as church treasurer during the 1960’s and 1970’s. She was also a member of the Family Motor Coach Association and Good Sam’s Prairielanders Camping Club. Norabel was an avid cat lover and enjoyed reading, camping, traveling, gardening, baking, and playing games. Along with her husband Bill she was always eager to lend a hand to help others. Her most treasured moments were times spent with her family. She married Billy E. “Bill” Baker January 14, 1951. They shared over sixty-three years of marriage together.
Norabel leaves behind her beloved husband Bill, sons Martin Dean (Emily) Baker of Greenfield, Indiana, Mark Allen (Benita) Baker Monticello and Michael Eugene (Connie) Baker of Macon, grandchildren Amy Allen, Melissa Baker (Tom Nichols), Brett (Kaley) Baker, Bart (Christina) Baker, Lindsey (Jason) Mayer, and Jacob Baker, great-grandchildren Nora, Kasen, Penelope, and Edith, and sister-in-law Mary Gardner of Forsyth.
Norabel was reunited in Heaven with her parents and brothers Herman Gardner and G. Wesley Gardner.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Richard Fritz and his entire staff for their excellent care throughout the years.
Services to celebrate Norabel’s life will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2014 in the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, 104 W. Carter. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Hope Welty Public Library, 100 S. Madison St. Cerro Gordo, IL 61818 or the Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois, 210 W. McKinley Ave. Decatur, IL 62526.
The family of Norabel J. Baker is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Norabel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norabel?
Share a story where Norabel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norabel you’ll never forget.
How did Norabel make you smile?