Martha Joan (Reeves) Baker

MARTHA BAKER

JERSEYVILLE – Martha Joan Baker, 89, passed away at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Jerseyville Manor. 

She was born on June 29, 1935 in Cottage Hills, Illinois, the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence and Helen (Keene) Reeves. 

A proud graduate of Jersey Community High School in the Class of 1953, Martha embarked on a life of love and dedication. Shortly after graduation, on July 19, 1953, she married Charles Baker in Saint Charles, Missouri. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and cherished memories. 

Martha’s heart was always in her family and her church. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville for 70 years, where she also served as a pre-kindergarten teacher, sharing her kindness and nurturing spirit with countless children. She also spent many years as a clerk at Jersey Lumber in Jerseyville, where she formed friendships with coworkers and customers alike. 

Martha enjoyed sewing as a hobby, creating beautiful pieces that will forever remain as reminders of her loving hands and creative spirit. She treasured the moments spent with her family, especially her husband, her two children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.

Martha is survived by her husband, Charles Baker of Jerseyville; a daughter and son in-law, Carol and Bruce Bailey of Mt. Olive; her grandchildren, Jason Bailey of Mt. Olive, Rachel Hutchins of Mt. Olive, Rodney Baker of Hayworth and Stacey Baker of Jerseyville; great grandchildren, Jacob, Lauren and Jack Bailey, Delaney and Henry Hutchins, and Debbie Baker. She is also survived by her brother, Lawrence Reeves of Jerseyville. 

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her son, Charles “Chuck” Baker and two brothers, Walter and Donnie Reeves. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. 

Funeral Services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville. 

She will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. 

In honor of Martha’s lifelong dedication to her church, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Jerseyville. 

Martha’s warmth, faith, and devotion to her family and her community will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service and grace. 

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha Joan (Reeves) Baker, please visit our floral store.