Kate Baymiller

Obituary of Katherine A. Baymiller
November 7, 1930-October 27, 2024
Katherine Ann Baymiller of Shelbina, MO, passed away October 27, 2024 at Hannibal Regional Hospital, 11 days short of her 94th birthday. She had battled dementia and other health issues with grace for several years.
Kate was born November 7, 1930 near Emden, MO, the only child of Frank and Jean (Brown) Pickett. Her mother died when Kate was just six years old. She lived with her Aunts Ede and Byrd Brown for a time. She was adopted as a teenager by her Aunt Bess Pickett of Shelbina. Kate graduated from Shelbina High School in 1947. She married the love of her life, John Jett Baymiller on December 12, 1953, less than 12 months after he returned to Shelbina following his service in the US Navy during the Korean War. Lifelong residents of Shelby County, they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary between their admissions to nursing home care. John passed away on April 23, 2019.
Kate and John were not just a deeply devoted couple, they were successful business partners as well. They were owners of the Shelbina Greenhouse before purchasing Vernon's Flower Shop in 1963. She was the designer of all the casket sprays, bookkeeper and capably held her own running the shop when John travelled on Florists Transworld Delivery (FTD) business.
After selling the flower shop in 1984, retirement did not last long. Kate continued to support John when he was a sales rep for two silk flower importers. They built a pool in the backyard, the scene of regular entertainment for other people's children, just not for their own except when they came to visit. She also worked at the OATS office until retiring again in 2000. John and Kate enjoyed trips to Colorado and Florida until their health caused them to slow down.
Kate was involved in FTD activities, and served as president of the local 49ers Home Ec Club, a 4-H mom, a Shriner's wife and a member of the Shelbina Christian Church.Until they moved to Clarence Care Center in December 2018, Kate and John lived in the home they built in 1966 on Charles Street-the first home to be built in the neighborhood, and the last one to change hands for the first time since its construction. She moved to Salt River Community Care in September 2019, and most recently was a resident in the Special Needs Unit.
Surviving are her two daughters, Patricia Ann (Patti) Baymiller of Shelbina and Tamera Kay (Tami) (Scott) Schulz of St. Louis; two grandchildren: Ashlee Ann (Drew) Stanfill and Alexander Donald (Al) Schulz (fiancé Kelsey Fagin), all of St. Louis; great-granddaughter, Adalyn Ann Stanfill, born August 26, 2024; and three nieces: Jeanette Cobb, Carla Harris and Barbara (Bill) Dexheimer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her in-laws and their spouses, three nephews and three nieces.
Services will be held at Greening Eagan Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, Monday, November 4 at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am. Burial will be at the Shelbina Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials are suggested to Salt River Community Care or the Alzheimer's Association.