Sandra Marlene Baker

Sandra Marlene Baker (1939- 2025)

Sandra Marlene Baker, 86, of Hanna City, IL, passed away in her home on August 20, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

Sandra was born November 29, 1939, in Bellevue, a daughter of Foster and Nina Kepler Sayles. She moved to Halfway, Mo, where she was raised before returning to Hanna City, IL in 1965. She married Richard Baker on May 27, 1978.

Surviving family members are: one sister, Mary Lou Altpeter of Danville, IA; one daughter, Sami (Kristofer) Rowe of Hanna City, IL; five grandchildren, Melody (Dillon) Morgan of Cookeville, TN, Hailey (Gunnar) Leach of Chilicothe, IL, William (Lindsey) Nelson of Glasford, IL, Lukas Baker of Hanna City, IL;, and Hope (Brandon) Flexer Scott of Washington, IL; and three great- grandchildren, Jennifer Nelson, Aiden Scott, and Faye Scott.

Family members preceding Sandra in death are: her husband, Richard; two brothers, Philip Sayles and Michael Sayles; and her parents Foster and Nina Kepler Sayles.

Sandra married Richard Baker in 1978, who worked as a long haul trucker at the time. She fell in love with him despite being noted to say that she would never marry a truck driver. They spent a wonderful 28 years together before he passed in 2006.

Sandra Baker loved animals. She was always surrounded by cats and dogs who were happy to see her when she returned home. She spent her final days watching birds flock to a bird feeder outside her window, and she could tell which ones were frequent customers.

Sandra loved to cook. She worked in various nursing homes, cooking for the residents who she knew by name and diet. Her last place of employment before she retired in 2015 was Fondulac Rehabilitation and Healthcare.

Sandra had a lot of hobbies before and upon retirement. She loved to work in her garden, and was known to grow many vegetables and flowers. She also did various yarn crafts, such as crochet and loom knitting. Her biggest passion was sewing. She talked all the time about how she used to make her and her sister's school clothes on the farm in Missouri.

In her final days, Sandra Baker was asked what she wanted her great grandchildren to know about her. She said that she wanted to be known as a good grandma. Despite the fact that Sandra was only blessed with one biological child, she had a plethora of people she adopted as her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She lived a full life, always surrounded by people who loved her. She would talk to anyone who would listen, and always had a smile on her face. Sandra will forever be remembered as everyone's Grandma or Aunt Sam.

Sandra Baker's Celebration of Life will be held on August 30, 2025 at 12pm to 3pm at WhiteRose Fellowship Church located at 505 S Main Street, Bellevue, IL 61604. Friends and family are invited to bring a dish that reminds them of Sandra, and any pictures and memories to share.

Memorials may be made to the family. Donations may be made to SAMS Rescue in Hanna City, IL.