Rita Baker

Rita Jane “Etzold” Baker, 82, of Hillsboro, Missouri, passed away in St. Clair, Missouri on December 29, 2024. Born on June 17, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, Rita was the beloved daughter of the late Edna (Hunning) and Eldor Etzold. Known for her warm and welcoming nature, Rita never met a stranger and was always the first to offer support to family and friends. Her optimistic outlook on life inspired others to seek positivity in every situation. Rita graduated from Northwest High School in 1960, maintaining lifelong bonds with her classmates and friends. She raised her children in Dittmer, Missouri. Rita began her professional career at the Hillsboro County Courthouse, serving as Circuit Court Clerk. In 1982, she married Douglas Baker, with whom she shared many joyful years. She loved to travel, with Colorado holding a special place in her heart. Rita believed in being involved in her community. She had a passion for libraries and parks, cherishing their value to the community and instilling that love in her children and grandchildren. Rita is survived by her loving children, Robin (Alan) Sronce and Bruce (Joy) Weber; four cherished grandchildren: Robert “Mike” (Adriana) Sronce, Cara (Sean) Fitzgerald, John (Joanna Fay) Sronce, and Alexander Pagel; and three adored great-grandchildren: Quinn, Weber, and Leonardo. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis (Alan) Davis, sister-in-law, Judy (late Martin) Etzold, treasured nieces, dear friend Gary Johnston, and many other family members and friends. The family is especially grateful for the love and care provided by Gary Johnston, Judy Diehl, and Phyllis Davis during her illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Douglas Baker, her sister Judy (Etzold) Ojeten, and her brother Martin Etzold. Celebration of life service will be held in Hillsboro, Missouri at Chapel Hill Mortuary, Robert Brown Chapel on January 31, 2025, with a visitation beginning at noon and service at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillsboro Food Pantry, P.O. Box 168, Hillsboro, MO 63050, or Siteman Cancer Center https://siteman.wustl.edu/give/giving/ Rita’s legacy of kindness, optimism, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Rita Baker

June 17, 1942 - December 29, 2024