Carol Baker

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Carol Ann Baker, age 69, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away at 10:26 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, after an extended stay at Cox South in Springfield, Missouri. She was born on December 16, 1955, in Aurora, Missouri, the daughter of Preston “Gene” and Loraine Ann (Emhoff) Baker.

Carol was preceded in death by her father and mother, Preston “Gene” Baker and Lorraine Ann (Emhoff), and a nephew, Jerad Baker.








Carol is survived by her husband, Edward Reidle of Aurora, MO; Brother, Tom (& Lynn) Baker of Aurora, MO; Sisters Rieta (Mark) Porath of Carl Junction, MO; Dorothy (David) Stanley of Aurora, MO; Lisa McDunner of Pierce City, MO; Shirley (Mark) Shreffler of Aurora, MO; Cindy (Scott) Fiedler of Ozark, MO; 12 nieces and nephews; more in the next generation; and many cousins and friends.

Like her parents, she married her high school sweetheart—it just took a little longer. Ed and Carol started dating just before she graduated from Aurora High School in 1974. On May 10, 2000, they interrupted Lorraine as she mowed the front lawn to let her know they had just returned from Eureka Springs, AR, where they were married. Lorraine commented at the time that she sure hoped they knew what they were getting into.

Growing up on a farm, Carol had always been a hard worker. Her first paid job was at Atkison’s floral shop when she was sixteen. Her passion for gardening flourished there. No visit to Carol and Ed’s home was complete without a garden and yard tour, including advice and a clipping that could be rooted later. Her cooking and canning skills grew along with her garden. She took great pride in her canned beets. She missed being a part of the early planting this spring, but Ed reported progress, along with the status of resident moles. Shirley will be sure to mow over the flowers Ed planted, and Carol didn’t like, since Carol can no longer take care of that herself.

The Bakers were raised in the Catholic Church, and nearly all attended Sacred Heart Catholic School in Verona, MO. Carol met Father Paul when he came to Holy Trinity in 2018. She credits him for saving her, and he credits her for bringing other members back to church with her enthusiasm. She has faithfully served on the church council and comforted grieving families while serving funeral luncheons.

She dealt with health challenges these last several years, always with that signature toothy grin. She maintained her own health admirably with in-home dialysis and was excited about the promise of good health that a kidney transplant could bring. Even when the new kidney failed, she remained hopeful and endeared herself to her caregivers. In the end, she made peace where needed and went to God with joy. She passed peacefully, with Rieta by her side.

A visitation, rosary, and church service under the direction of Crafton Cantrell Funeral Home, in Aurora, will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Aurora, Missouri. A graveside service will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Aurora, Missouri, with Father Paul Pudhota officiating. The Holy Trinity Church will also host a luncheon following the graveside service.

In leu of flowers, Carol’s family request that people support the National Kidney Foundation or the Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Being kind to animals is another way to honor her memory.