Elaine Baker

(From Knell Mortuary)

Elaine Baker, 99, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin, Missouri. Elaine was born on October 5, 1926, in St. Michael, Nebraska, she was the middle daughter of Vera Mae Wilks and Orville Harvey Timm. She graduated from Carthage High School and then completed two years at Bethany Nazarene College, now Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. 

While still in college, she married the love of her life, Wilson D. Baker, and had a double wedding on September 5, 1947, with his brother Bill Baker and Charlene Jernigan.

Before marriage she supported herself working at Carthage Chamber of Commerce and Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, Missouri. Her passion was being a pastor’s wife for 36 years from 1949-1985 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Craig and Springfield, Missouri, Iola, Kansas, and Decatur and Pekin, Illinois, Lima, Ohio, and Hampton, Virginia. She and Wilson retired in Carthage, Missouri, where Wilson was the Visitation Minister of Carthage First Church of the Nazarene from 1985-2003. Loving God as her first passion she served in multiple leadership roles; Sunday School teacher for almost 50 years to boys, single adults, married couples; Bible Study leader for 15 years; Vacation Bible School teacher many years; chair person of Scott Missionary Chapter for 12 years; District Assembly representative for several of their churches; awarded “Teacher of the Year” on the NW Ohio District and Lima First Church of the Nazarene, Lima, Ohio.

Apart from her first love of God was her love of family. Elaine dearly loved being a wife, a mom to her three daughters, and a mamaw to her three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was also a great daughter, sister and aunt while her love extended to her church families and friends.

Being a woman of many interests, she enjoyed praying for and with others, singing in the church choir and with Wilson, traveling, cooking, baking, crafts, reading, playing games, visiting and calling others and sending cards of encouragement. She was a positive, outgoing, godly woman who loved to smile, connect to all type of people and make them happy.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Teresa Layman (Michael); grandchildren, Layne Rainey, Matt Rainey, Amanda Rainey (Ken Bogel); great-grandchildren, Max Rainey, Beatrice Bogel; son-in-law, Larry Thornburg; and daughter-in-law, Dr. Claudia Osborn (Kris Sprague). She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Wilson Baker, daughters, Dr. Marica Baker and Monica Thornburg; and sisters, Pearl Know and Velma Holz.

Visitation will be held from 9-10 am, Friday, January 16, 2026, at Carthage Nazarene Church, Carthage. A celebration service will follow at 10 am. The burial will follow at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial contributions are suggested to Gideon International in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.