Catherine C. Baker

Catherine C. Baker, age 92 of St. Mary’s, Indiana, died Saturday, February 7, 2009, at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville. Born November 24, 1916 in Franklin County Indiana, she is the daughter of Mary (Nee: Wallpe) and Peter Zins. She married Urban “Bill” Baker October 19, 1935 at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church in St. Mary’s. He preceded her in death on November 24, 1975. Catherine was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary’s of the Rock Church and the Brookville V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.She learned hard work at an early age when she dropped out of grade school to help her dad farm. With no boys in the family, she became her dad’s farm hand, doing all of the tasks required to keep the farm operating. This work ethic continued into her married life as she and her husband owned an orchard near Oak Forest where she worked in the orchard and cooked and washed for their employees. Although not learning until she was married, the children agree she quickly developed into a wonderful cook and her talents soon surpassed those of her husband, who taught her. The kids fondly remember her pies and signature dish of spaghetti and meatballs for family get togethers. Everything was homemade right down to the sauce and noodles. Her reputation as a cook led to her often being requested to do the cooking at wedding receptions for many, many years.Catherine also enjoyed many interests over the years. In her younger days, she liked to go fishing, mow grass and was an accomplished piano player who learned to play by ear and preferred music from the swing and big band eras. In later years, she loved to watch and feed the birds and play solitaire. She always enjoyed playing scratch off’s and the long standing tradition of stopping at Sally’s in St. Mary’s for a cold beer with the rest of the ladies after choir practice. Her family affectionately recalls that her greatest enjoyment in life was dancing. After her husband died, she continued to attend dances and would rely on family members as her partner to keep her on the dance floor.She is survived by her daughters Martha Miller of Charlotte, North Carolina, Elizabeth “Betty” Gigrich of Batesville; son David T. Baker of Batesville; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her daughter Mary Stewart and sister Leona Evans.Visitation is Thursday, February 12th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church with Rev. Humbert Moster O.F.M. officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to St. Mary’s Church Window Fund.

Catherine C. Baker

February 7, 1917 - February 7, 2009