Obituary for Catherine Elizabeth "Betty" Baker (Schweitzer)
Catherine E. “Betty” Baker, 94, of Winthrop passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27th at ABCM Rehabilitation Center-East Campus in Independence, IA.
Catherine was born on January 19, 1926 to William F. Schweitzer and Lucinda (Sickles) Schweitzer of Winthrop, IA. She attended school in nearby Lamont, IA and graduated from Lamont High School in 1943. On November 18, 1945 Catherine was united in marriage to John Baker in Galena, IL. They made their home in Galena and then later moved to Catherine’s family farm in Winthrop, IA where they farmed for many years. In 1981 John retired, and they moved to Mesa, Arizona, and later to Joplin, MO in 2001. In 2005 they moved back to Winthrop to be home once again. Following her husband’s death in 2017, she moved to ABCM Rehabilitation Center-East Campus. She spent the next 2 ½ years being loved and cared for by staff who affectionately named her “Miss Betty”.
Most of Catherine’s time was spent raising and caring for her six children and later on spending time with her grandkids. She was also known for the beautiful flowers and gardens she tended to around her home. She was an active member of the 4-T Club and past president of Aurora American Legion Auxiliary.
Catherine is survived by her children Patricia Eaves of Tomball, TX, Ruth Swearingen of Cedar Rapids, IA, Barbara Janss of Des Moines, Donna Dick of Independence, IA, Roger (Robin) Baker of Cedar Grove, WI and Lucinda (Gregg) Eschen of Dundee, IA; her 7 grandchildren; her 9 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren, her sister Dorothy Gilson of Winthrop, IA and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John. Her brothers Dale, Glen, Bill, John, and Bobby Schweitzer; her in-laws Frank and Margie Baker, Belle Cantelle and Lula and Bill Ewing and two son-in-law’s Milton Eaves and Dennis Swearingen.
A private family graveside service will be held at Fremont Cemetery in Winthrop, IA.
Catherine was born on January 19, 1926 to William F. Schweitzer and Lucinda (Sickles) Schweitzer of Winthrop, IA. She attended school in nearby Lamont, IA and graduated from Lamont High School in 1943. On November 18, 1945 Catherine was united in marriage to John Baker in Galena, IL. They made their home in Galena and then later moved to Catherine’s family farm in Winthrop, IA where they farmed for many years. In 1981 John retired, and they moved to Mesa, Arizona, and later to Joplin, MO in 2001. In 2005 they moved back to Winthrop to be home once again. Following her husband’s death in 2017, she moved to ABCM Rehabilitation Center-East Campus. She spent the next 2 ½ years being loved and cared for by staff who affectionately named her “Miss Betty”.
Most of Catherine’s time was spent raising and caring for her six children and later on spending time with her grandkids. She was also known for the beautiful flowers and gardens she tended to around her home. She was an active member of the 4-T Club and past president of Aurora American Legion Auxiliary.
Catherine is survived by her children Patricia Eaves of Tomball, TX, Ruth Swearingen of Cedar Rapids, IA, Barbara Janss of Des Moines, Donna Dick of Independence, IA, Roger (Robin) Baker of Cedar Grove, WI and Lucinda (Gregg) Eschen of Dundee, IA; her 7 grandchildren; her 9 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren, her sister Dorothy Gilson of Winthrop, IA and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John. Her brothers Dale, Glen, Bill, John, and Bobby Schweitzer; her in-laws Frank and Margie Baker, Belle Cantelle and Lula and Bill Ewing and two son-in-law’s Milton Eaves and Dennis Swearingen.
A private family graveside service will be held at Fremont Cemetery in Winthrop, IA.