Rita Jane “Etzold” Baker, 82, of Hillsboro died Dec. 29, 2024, in St. Clair. Mrs. Baker was known for her warm and welcoming nature, never meeting a stranger and supporting her family and friends. She was a 1960 graduate of Northwest High School and maintained lifelong bonds with her classmates and friends. She raised her children in Dittmer. She began her professional career at the Hillsboro County Courthouse as a circuit court clerk. She loved to travel, with Colorado holding a special place in her heart. She enjoyed being involved in her community and had a passion for libraries and parks and passed that love on to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness and optimistic outlook on life. Born June 17, 1942, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Edna (Hunning) and Eldor Etzold.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Douglas Baker, whom she married in 1982.
She is survived by two children: Robin (Alan) Sronce and Bruce (Joy) Weber; four grandchildren: Robert “Mike” (Adriana) Sronce, Cara (Sean) Fitzgerald, John (Joanna Fay) Sronce and Alexander Pagel; three great-grandchildren: Quinn, Weber and Leonardo; a sister: Phyllis (Alan) Davis; a sister-in-law: Judy (late Martin) Etzold; a close friend: Gary Johnston; and many other family members and friends. The family is thankful for the care provided by Gary Johnston, Judy Diehl and Phyllis Davis during her illness.
She also was preceded in death by a sister: Judy (Etzold) Ojeten; and a brother: Martin Etzold.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from noon until a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at Chapel Hill Mortuary Robert Brown Chapel, 103 4th St., in Hillsboro. Memorials may be made to the Hillsboro Food Pantry, P.O. Box 168, Hillsboro, 63050, or to Siteman Cancer Center, siteman.wustl.edu/give/giving/. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary Robert Brown Chapel.