Ralph Baker

RALPH ALLEN BAKER, 70, of Ashmore, IL passed away at 7:00 A.M. at his residence in Ashmore., IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Salisbury Church, 2350 Madison Avenue in Charleston, IL. Rev. Jerry Sweeney will officiate. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. Visitation will be from Noon to 1:00 P.M. at the Salisbury Church on Thursday, April 22, 2010. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.

Ralph was born on May 11, 1939 in Portsmouth, VA. He was a son of David Edward and Mary Lee (Rice) Baker. He married Janice Gill on December 3, 1967 in Mendota, IL.

He is survived by his wife Janice Baker of Ashmore, IL; nine children, Ralph Baker Jr. and Robert Baker both of Virginia, Tony Baker and his wife Terri of Lafayette, IN, Lee Ann Morse and her husband Bill of Johannesburg, CA, Troy Baker of Westfield, IL, Dee Ann Rennels and her husband Joe of Kansas, IL Jennifer Galbreath and her husband Corey of Westfield, IL, Jason Baker of Ashmore, IL and Pamela Rardin and her husband Matt of Westfield, IL. sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Brittney Baker and two brothers, Edward and Paul Baker.

Ralph had been in auto body repair most of his life. He worked for Stewart Auto Body of Charleston, IL before operating his own shop; Baker’s Auto Body also in Charleston, IL. He retired as an auto body man from Baldwin Pontiac GMC in Charleston after fifteen years of service.

He was a musician capable of playing the guitar, banjo, mandolin, drums and piano. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

Memorials may be made to the family.