Mary Olene Baker

Mary Olene Baker, 79, of Ballinger passed away Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Shannon Medical Center, St. John’s Campus in San Angelo, Texas.

She was born May 27, 1930 in Norton, Texas to Jess and Fannie (Boyd) Jones. Olene and Roy Edward Baker were married September 14, 1947 in Ballinger where the couple made their home. Roy preceded her in death August 31, 2003. She worked for several years at Safeway Food Store, then as a clerk at West Texas Utilities for 24 years until her retirement in 1993. She was a member of Ninth Street Church of Christ.

Always energetic and cheerful, Olene took great joy in handiwork and will be remembered by countless Ballinger residents for her sock monkey creations, lovely dish towels, and other handmade pieces. She loved to volunteer regularly at the Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Her love for others knew no boundaries and her zest for life knew no limits. This brave, courageous, and amazing lady will be missed by friends and family alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband; sisters, Ada Denton, Artee Murphy, Addie Watkins, Jesse Reddick, and Gladys Bradshaw; brother, Wesley Jones; and son-in-law, Michael Lowe.

Olene is survived by her son, James Baker and wife, Debbie, of San Angelo, and by her daughter, Sandy Lowe, and husband, Jimmie Sears, of Dayton; sisters, Clydie Holt of Center, and Ona Andersen of Houston; and grandchildren, Angela Newton and husband, Jeremy, Clint Baker, and Jason Lowe and wife, Tashena. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Jimmie Jones and Wilma Baker of Ballinger.

There will be a visitation for family and friends on Friday, March 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, March 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Runnels Cemetery with Max Pratt officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ballinger Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry or a favorite charity.