Retha Baughman

Retha, our wonderful and amazing wife, sister, mom and gramma, age 88, passed into the arms of Jesus on July 4 with the blast of fireworks in the background and as she entered the gates of heaven, she probably said, "Oh My!" her favorite saying.
We are comforted knowing that Retha knew Jesus as her Savior and we will see her again one day with Him. What a glorious day that will be.
Retha loved well, Jack, her husband of 52 years and all her family and friends. She was such a good listener and always made people feel so special. She even laughed at our bad jokes. Retha was "The Great Encourager" because she was known for writing cards and notes of encouragement to friends and family.
She loved to camp and hike with family in her early years and always had the most beautiful flowers in her yard. Retha was an OUTSTANDING baker and known for her banana nut bread and the absolute best chocolate chip cookies east of the Mississippi. Sewing and quilting were two of her passions, she made blankets for the grandkids as well as hundreds of beautiful pillow cases for the missionary families that stayed with Bill and Susan in Alaska.
While in the hospital a few months ago, she shared with the nurses how much she loved Jesus and was very excited to see Him. So much so that they called in a counselor because they couldn't understand someone being excited to go to heaven. She just smiled at them.
In her last days after scripture reading and singing, she shared with Pastor John, "I tried to live every day with kindness, compassion and caring. If I failed, I asked God for forgiveness." She loved us all well and we are excited that she got to heaven and heard "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Retha is survived by her loving husband, Jack, amazing daughter Mary (Matt) Hindle, incredible sons Bill (Susan) Wilkinson, Bob (Diane) Wilkinson, Alan Baughman and Mark Baughman and her many fabulous grandchildren and great grandchildren that she adored. She is also survived by two of the best brothers you could ever have, Fred (Sherry) Edwards and Bill Edwards.
In lieu of flowers please write a special note of encouragement to a friend or family in honor of Retha. And hey, maybe even bake some banana nut bread for them too.
Special thank you to the Summa Barberton Hospital Hospice staff for taking wonderful care of Retha!
Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, with Pastor John Wilson officiating.