Mary R. (Shank) Baker
Mary R. (Shank) Baker, 90, of Winamac, passed away at home on Wednesday, Feb. 11. She was born on June 30, 1935 in Winamac to the late J. Kermit and Rose M. (Nicolas) Shank. Mary attended the Indiana School for the Deaf and St. Peter’s Catholic School. After graduating from Winamac High School in 1956 she completed courses at the Logansport Business College. On Aug. 31, 1967, she married William R. Baker in Reno, Nevada. He passed away on June 15, 2003.
In her younger years, Mary worked for her father at Shanks Ladies Clothing Store and also clerked for her brother, John, at the courthouse. Many local residents will remember Mary from the time she spent working at the old bowling alley by the town park. Mary was an accomplished bowler who competed in numerous state and national bowling tournaments. She enjoyed playing games of all kinds and was always competitive. Whether it was playing arcade games at the old bowling alley or monthly casino trips, Mary lived life to the fullest.
Mary was an advocate for the deaf community, teaching others sign language and regularly attending deaf school events. She made many dear friendships within the deaf community over the years. Mary was a determined woman who never let her disability stand in her way. Nearly a decade ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced her diagnosis with faith and strength, becoming a proud breast cancer survivor.
Mary was a loving and devoted farm wife and mother. She faithfully attended annual GI reunions with William. She always supported her children in all that they did. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and ran the local cookie fundraiser for many years. Mary enjoyed baking and selling her baked goods at the local Farmers Market Festival. She had an infectious smile and a good amount of orneriness. Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by sons: Robert J. [wife: Theresa]Baker, Kewanna and William K.P. “Kerry” [wife: Christina] Baker, Winamac; daughters: Patricia A. [husband: Jerry] Baker-Collins, Winamac and Kristina M. [husband: Terry] Spoor, Winamac; grandsons: Brody [wife: Tiffany] Baker, Brandon Baker, Adam Srotyr, David Baker, Kane [wife: Cara] Hurlburt and Kole Baker; granddaughter Courtney [husband: Travis] Kyle; seven great-grandchildren: Kaysin, Landyn, Bristol, Brantley, Toby, Ashton and Kamdyn; sisters-in-law: Carol J. Shank, Winamac and Judy Shank, Indianapolis; and many nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins.
Preceded in death by parents: J. Kermit and Rose M. (Nicolas) Shank; husband William R. Baker; brothers: John Shank, James Shank, Sr., Thomas Shank, Sr. and Nicholas Shank, Sr.; sister Elizabeth Shank; and infant brother George Shank.
Visitation was from 2-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Feb. 16, at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating.
Burial took place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 18, 2026)