Elaine Baker

Harriett Elaine (Rice) Baker, 82, of London Mills, Ill. went to be with Jesus on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 4:50 a.m. at the Knox County Nursing Home. Elaine, the daughter of Donald and Irene (Way) Rice, was born August 11, 1943, in Canton, Ill. She was raised and educated in the London Mills area, graduating from Spoon River Valley High School and Brown’s Business College in Galesburg, Ill. She made her lifelong home in London Mills. Elaine was the epitome of a good and faithful servant to her community and most of all, her family.

She married David Charles Baker on July 03, 1961, in Big Rock, Ill. They had two sons. She was preceded in death by her parents, oldest son Kenneth (Kenny) Baker of London Mills, Ill., and her sister Barb Hull of Galesburg, Ill.

Her memory lives on in the lives of her loving husband David, her youngest son, Douglas (Nici) Baker of Maquon, Ill., and her grandchildren: Lauren (Dylan) Simpson of Canton, Ill., Carrie Baker of Stillwater, Okla., Janie Baker of Dunlap, Ill., and Katie Jo Baker of Maquon, Ill and one great-granddaughter due in November. Spending time with her girls was the joy of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Davie (Linda) Rice and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine managed “home base” for Baker Farms for over 30 years, where she wore the hat of secretary and bookkeeper, parts and people runner, cook, and caretaker. Perhaps her favorite job was being a stay-at-home grandma. She watched after all her girls until they started school, many days after school, and throughout the summer.

Elaine was a baker and homemaker to her core. Her home was always full of homemade pies, cakes, cookies, and her famous cheesecake. She loved gardening, being outdoors and watching the hummingbirds out her kitchen window. In what little free time she had, she enjoyed cross stitching. She was also a member of the London Mills Women’s Club and the United Methodist Church, where she served for many years at Vacation Bible School and Tuesday Club.

A private graveside service will be held in West Midway Cemetery, London Mills. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home or Compassus Hospice Care in Galesburg, Ill and left in the care of the funeral home. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements.