Leah Dawn Baker

Leah Dawn Baker, 71, of Tilden, IL, born on February 15, 1955, the daughter of John and Georgie (née, White) Glass; passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at her granddaughter's home in DuQuoin, IL.

Leah lived life in her own beautiful, unapologetic way. A proud southern woman with a free spirit and a mischievous spark, she embraced being a little different. She was known as a "misfit", and proud of it. She believed in being yourself fully, loving fiercely, and never shrinking to meet anyone else's expectations. She was truly a hippy at heart. Leah found joy in creating and nurturing. She had a natural gift for growing things, whether in her garden beds or in the countless house plants she tended to over the years. She also loved to paint and had a way of capturing color and life in ways that were creative and beautiful. When she was younger, she loved to sew. She made each of her grandchildren their very first blankets – soft, stitched symbols of her love. She even crafted costumes, turning ordinary days into something magical and memorable. Her beloved dogs were constant companions, bringing her comfort and unconditional loyalty. She adored them as family. Above all, Leah was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her world. She helped raise them when she didn't have to. Her home was a place of laughter, creativity, and safety, even when it was chaotic. Grandma's house was always home when we needed it. Leah hated goodbyes. She never said them. Instead, she would smile and say, "Later", followed by her signature words, "Love you more". Later, Grandma. Love you more.

She is survived by her loving husband – William Baker to whom she married on August 16, 1986 in Smithton, IL; three children – John Thomas Earl White of Tilden, IL, Felicia Marie White of Tilden, IL, Jennifer Lynne Wagner of Hillsboro, IL; seven grandchildren – Ashley, Dara, Steven, Kyle, Alicia, Gabby, and Cassandra; thirteen great grandchildren – Serenity, Brantley, Kylie, Addison, Sawyer, Damien, Greer, Amiah, Graham, Palmer, Joe, Everett, and Otis; one sister – Carmen (husband, Gary) Duplantis of Searcy, AR.

Leah was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter – Samantha White; two brothers – Charles Glass and Dallas Glass; one sister – Linda Raymer; two sisters-in-law – Lee Glass and Ruth Glass; one brother-in-law – Bobby Raymer.

Condolences may be left online at www.heilschuessler.com.

It was her wish to be cremated with private memorial services held for the family.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Tilden, Illinois is in charge of arrangements