Hazel Lela Baker

Hazel Lela Baker, 92, Carthage, MO departed this world on Sunday, December 28, 2025 surrounded by her children, and lovingly welcomed into her eternal home.
Hazel was born in July of 1933 to Bert and Hazel Irene Pippin. She grew up with three older brothers, Bob, Charles and Bill who doted on their little sister, and when her older brothers married, she was granted honorary sisters, Vera and Margaret whom she loved dearly!
In 1948 Hazel married the love of her life, Clyde "Bill" Baker and together they made a home and welcomed their first child in 1949, followed by 12 additional children, bringing them to a perfect Baker's Dozen: Rickey, Mickey, Danny, Connie, Chester, Hazel Ann, Christina, Colleena, Annetta, Terry, Jerry, Janetta and their last baby Bobby Joe who was born still but stayed forever in their hearts.
Over the years the Baker family grew and grew to immeasurable numbers and the family would often gather in Bill & Hazel's home and no one was allowed to leave the house without a hug and a kiss from everyone in the room.
The family had their own band, The Baker Family Show Me State Band and it was a common occurrence for them to entertain strangers while gathered for a family reunion. They were regular hosts at The Amber Light Ballroom, dancing, singing and filling the room with love and laughter, and no one can convince her family that anyone in the world could sing quite like Hazel, full of country twang and lively spirit. She was indeed a force to be reckoned with!
Hazel was preceded in death by her last born, Bobby Joe, her husband, Bill, her first born, Rickey, her parents, brothers and honorary sister Vera, daughter in law Debbie, sons in law, Leon and John, grandchildren Nicole Shrock and Billy Evans, and a few of her very precious great grandbabies.
Survivors include sons Danny Baker, Chester (Pat) Baker, Terry (Jeannie) Baker, and Jerry Baker, and daughters, Mickey (Danny) O'Neal, Connie Morgan, Hazel (Harold) Nichols, Christina Beasley, Colleena Baker, Annetta (Dump) Schrader, and Jannetta Long.
She is also survived by countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends, all cherished deeply.
Until the day Hazel left this world, she loved Bill with all her heart, and she still got a twinkle in her eye when she talked about her "hun". The family is comforted knowing Bill and Hazel are together again with their two sons and other family in glory.
Funeral services will be held 11 am, Friday, January 2, 2026 at Grand Avenue Church of God, Carthage. The burial will follow at Friends Cemetery, Purcell, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time. Memorial gifts are suggested to the charity of one's choice in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.