Cathy Baker

1953 - 2024

Cathy Baker, 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 8, 2024, while checking cows on a hill overlooking her home in rural Atlanta, Missouri. Cathy was united in marriage on March 18, 1972 to Bob Baker, who preceded her in death.

The daughter of the late Caryle and Phyllis Carter, Cathy was born on April 15, 1953. She spent her childhood on a farm east of La Plata, where she helped milk cows, raise horses and do other farm chores. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a large livestock veterinarian, but eventually learned she just wanted to care for her own.

Cathy graduated from La Plata High School and received a degree in Business Education from what is now Truman State University.

Like her husband, Cathy loved to work and farmed until the end of her life on earth. Locals sought her advice on raising crops, cattle and kids; she farmed alongside with her husband and oldest son, but everyone knew Cathy was in charge of the cattle.

The couple was recognized by University Extension, Macon County Farm Bureau and the local Soil & Water District for their efforts in volunteering with 4-H, FFA and the county fair, the farm's conservation practices and their commitment to the future of the local agriculture industry.

Cathy was a founding member of the Macon County Cattlemen's Association and longtime administrator of its scholarship program. Cathy was also instrumental in the creation of its annual banquet and junior cattlemen's association. She believed in investing in the future of all youth.

Her kids grew up knowing strong women could do just about anything a man could do. She could combine, castrate calves and bake a casserole all in the same day.

Cathy was a generous person and was always willing to help someone in need. She was supportive of local ministries and the Atlanta Community. Her smile, generous spirit and common sense will be greatly missed in this world.

Cathy was committed to always making the best better, something she promoted as a 4-H member, 37-year volunteer and member of the Missouri 4-H Hall of Fame. She was recognized by Missouri Farmer Today and the Missouri Soybean Magazine for her innovations as a 4-H project leader and farmwife.

Cathy never missed a Macon County Fair, exhibiting Angus cattle as a youngster, then as a mom and then as a grandma. She was proud of her "show crew" and as showing cattle changed over the years, her passion for kids and cattle never did.

Cathy taught us to surround ourselves by things that grow. And to be proud of our work.

Late in life, Cathy became a baptized believer in Jesus Christ. She would always tell people that it is never too late to make that important decision in their life.

Cathy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Duane Pennington, and two sons and daughters-in law, Daron and Brandy Baker and Aaron and Erica Baker, all of Atlanta.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Christina (Luke) Mosley and Ashlea (Cooper) Neill of Macon and Aislynn, Bella, Brody, Owen, Brynlee, Paislea and Bright Baker all of Atlanta. She was also survived by her brothers Mike (Mary Lou) Carter and Daryl (Wendy) Carter of La Plata and their children as well as Cathy's sister-in-law, Carol Dennis, and her children.

Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 15, 2024, at the Elliott Funeral Home in Atlanta. The burial will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery east of Atlanta. The visitation will be from 6-8 pm, Thursday evening, at the funeral home in Atlanta. The family suggests memorials to the Home Pioneer 4-H.