Cora M. "Peggy" (Williams) Baker

Cora “Peggy” M. Baker left this earth to join her husband, Roger L Baker, on February 27, 2023, at her home in Marion.

She was born to David H. and Thelma L. (Lackey) Williams on May 17, 1946. Raised on a farm in Rio Grande, Ohio, Peggy joined many generations of family and friends in graduating from the local high school. She married the love of her life, Roger, on June 8, 1968. The two were adventurous hard workers who built successful careers while also continuing both family's tradition in farming.

Peggy fell right into a long line of Welsh storytellers. Her wit and humor would have you laughing so hard your cheeks would ache. Saying she was colorful wouldn't begin to characterize her outrageous spunk and knack for fashion. It wasn't unusual for her to arrive at a family gathering in shiny sequins with a matching hat, a big smile on her face, and a tight hug. Peggy always let her nieces and nephews know just how much she loved them and no one was more fun to spend time with. She not only gave gifts of arts & crafts, but she made them with you on the spot. Pairing that with Roger's kind heart and infectious laughter, the couple was truly a pleasure to be around.

The couple were tremendous fans of music, especially Dolly Parton and Dollywood, and their heart truly belonged at the mountain home they had high atop the trees in Pigeon Forge, TN. Some favorite memories of them were their outrageous costumes they'd wear on the plane from Columbus to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, as "The Babes of Ohio," they dressed as bumble bees and were even interviewed on the news! Of course, their best costume was Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner — of course Roger was Dolly. Their passion for life continued as they traveled across the world, bringing home special trinkets for loved ones and stories to make everyone smile.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, David and Thelma Williams, her brother and sister-in-law, William and Carol Williams, and her dear husband, Roger. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. There will not be a service, which was Peggy's wish and what Roger chose. They have requested their ashes be scattered in the mountains of Tennessee, which their family will honor.

Roger was a lifelong educator at North Union High School in Richwood, OH and Peggy remained strongly connected to her family and the people of Rio Grande, Ohio.  

The family requests memorial donations to the Roger L. and Cora M. Baker Memorial Scholarship at University of Rio Grande. Gift checks should be made payable to the University of Rio Grande and mailed to Institutional Advancement, PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674. For your convenience, credit card gifts may be made at http://www.rio.edu/giving. Please select the scholarship in the dropdown menu.

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood is assisting the family and the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com or www.mccoymoore.com. 
 

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