Karen Baker

Karen Jean Baker, 77, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, at Chateau Girardeau.

Karen was born June 20, 1945, in Peoria, Illinois, daughter of Charles W. Jr. and Hazel Fulk Washburn. She and Medford "Med" Lee Baker were married Jan. 6, 1967, in Peoria. He preceded her in death Jan. 23, 2022.

She was brought up in a strong Christian home and remained strong in her faith her entire life. Karen was a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson for more than 40 years, and enjoyed Bible study with her Sunday school classes over the years.

She was co-owner of Baker Floor and Cleaning and was instrumental in building and the daily operations of the family business.

Karen was an incredibly strong woman, being a role model for her children, instilling honesty, service of others and a strong work ethic. She cherished her family above all and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her interests and hobbies often included teaming up with her husband of 55 years. They enjoyed playing golf, playing pool and bowling, winning several tournaments in all. Most of all, their love was music, where she played bass guitar as a hobby. She and Med could modify the jitterbug to any style of music, and they enjoyed dancing for many years. Karen also loved sewing, gardening, cooking, baking and crafting.

Loving survivors include three children, Keith Baker of Jackson, Jodie Brown of Schulenburg, Texas, and Jill (James) Rawson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Shailey Boaz (Tony) Phillips of McAllen, Texas, Maddie Baker, Brayden Baker, Savannah Baker and Delaney Baker of Cape Girardeau and Darin and McKenna Rawson of Colorado Springs; two great-grandchildren, Sophie and T.J. Phillips of McAllen; and a brother, Donald Washburn of Colorado Springs.

In addition to her loving husband and parents, Karen was preceded in death by her brother, Robert D. Washburn.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating. Inurnment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Lung Association.

The family entrusted McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson with Karen's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute tab of Karen's personal obituary page at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.