Audrey Mae Baker

Audrey Mae Baker, 89, of Liberty, Missouri, passed away peacefully on
August 3, 2024, surrounded by loving family.
Audrey was born on July 22, 1935 in Blue Mound, Missouri the daughter of
Seth Minnis and Edna (Wheelbarger) Minnis. She was raised as the middle
child between her two loving siblings, Lois Irene Shoop and Albert George
Minnis. Audrey graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1953.
Audrey married Vernon Lee White on December 24, 1955. They met on a
Friday night at the local supper club in Chillicothe, Missouri where “Big Band”
music was played. Audrey was introduced to Vernon by his sister, Catherine.
She noticed that he was tall, handsome, and a wonderful dancer. Audrey said
it was love at first sight. Audrey and Vernon welcomed their son, Craig Alan
White, into the world on September 30, 1961. Vernon died at the age of 39 on
December 26, 1971.
Audrey married her second love, Jay Glaze Baker, on May 27,1979. She
was introduced to Jay by his daughter, Vicki Baker, while Audrey & Vicki
worked together at the Kendallwood Apartments in Gladstone, Missouri. Jay
and Audrey traveled the world, spoiled their grandkids, played golf, hunted for
antiques and cheered on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats together. Jay
died at the age of 88 on February 29, 2008.
In regard to her marriages, Audrey always said, “Many people don’t even get
lucky enough to have one loving husband…but God gave me two!”
Audrey held many impressive positions during her career but took the most
pride in being the personal assistant to Congressman Jerry Litton and the
manager of the Kendallwood apartments. She was unbelievably organized
and her record keeping abilities could have won her a gold medal.
Audrey loved to travel, golf, crochet, watch football, and spend time with her
family & friends. She loved road trips with her family as well as the
“Penthouse Pals”- her 3rd floor apartment friends in Liberty. The highlight of
her golf career was hitting a hole-in-one at the Maryville Country Club on July
29, 1998.
Audrey was a longtime member of the first Baptist Church in Maryville,
Missouri before moving to Liberty, Missouri in 2008. For a number of years
she was a proud and active member of PEO. Audrey was also a faithful
volunteer to the Hillcrest Hope Thrift Store in Liberty for many years, sorting,
cleaning, and organizing all of the donated housewares to be sold.
Audrey was known for greeting and hugging people as if seeing them was the
single greatest thing to ever happen to her. Outside of Jesus, her family and
friends were her greatest joy. She made everyone she was with feel like they
were the most important person in the world.
Remaining to cherish Audrey’s memory are her son: Craig White (Julie), their
daughters: Andrea Cronin (Russell), and Hayley Wilt (Austin); stepdaughter:
Vicki Baker (Willie Rickel); stepson: Roger Baker (Susan), their children:
Elizabeth Christiansen (Kyle), Jessie James (Ryan) and Jonathan Baker
(Hannah); stepson: Butch White. Great-grandchildren: Bowen and Luca
Cronin; Jace and Claire Christiansen.
Audrey also leaves behind a beloved sister, Lois Shoop, and dear brother, Al
Minnis (Linda); Nephews and nieces: Donna Keith (Lee), Dan Minnis
(Jeanette), Bryan Minnis (Kirsten); Joyce Pinney (Bill), Jerry Albertson (Fern),
as well as many great nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Audrey was welcomed into heaven by her two loving spouses: Vernon White
& Jay Baker; her parents: Edna & Seth Minnis; and many other cherished
relatives and dear friends.
A private graveside service for the family will be held to honor Audrey’s
wishes.
Audrey was fluent in all love languages but giving “Love Gifts” was one of her
signatures. Love Gifts are gifts that you give people when there is no special
occasion outside of loving them. Please give someone a Love Gift in Audrey’s
honor as we know she’ll be smiling down from Heaven as you do.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Audrey’s memory may be directed to Our Lady
of Mercy Country Home in Liberty, Missouri. A link for donating: Our Lady Of
Mercy Country Home - Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz (square.site)
Checks can be made out to: Our Lady of Mercy Country Home and sent to
Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, 2115 Maturana Drive, Liberty, MO, 64068.