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Ann Baither Obituary
Born: July 1, 1937 in Vandalia, IL
Died: March 21, 2025 in Sterling, IL
STERLING - Pastor Ann, 87, of Sterling, was welcomed into heaven by the grace of God on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Rock River Hospice Home.
Ann Beverly Baither was born July 1, 1937, in Vandalia, the daughter of William and Alma (Lindquist) Cole. Ann married Robert C. Baither in 1959. They both worked as teachers in Whiteside and Carroll counties and welcomed foster children into their home.
Ann attended NIU, University of Iowa, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. She was ordained as Pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and served for years on the Canadian border. After retirement, Ann served for five more years in Harrisburg, IL. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling. Ann was a voracious reader and an adventurous cook. She enjoyed playing violin in various community groups.
Survivors include two daughters, Brenda (Lance) Greer, of Sterling, and Angela Langley, of Rock Falls; two sisters, Patricia King, of Mayville, NY, and Florence Sue Wendt, of Green Bay, WI; 6 grandchildren, Robert (Jess) Richardson, Charles (Boi) Baither Hong, Katrina Noble, Hilary (Ben) Dobson, Dennis Langley, Jr., and Nickolas Langley; 11 great grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; and grandparents.
Cremation rites will be accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, and at 10:00am on Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling. Memorial service will follow at 11:00am at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sterling Public Library, or St. John's Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls.
1 Entry
Rev. Howard N. Ellis
April 3, 2025
I deeply sadden to hear of Pastor Ann's death. I remember Ann as kind and thoughtful person. She was a fellow clergy person in Southern Conference, ELCA. She had a wonderful heart full of joy and light.
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McDonald Funeral Home, Inc. - Rock Falls1002 12th Avenue, Rock Falls, IL 61071
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