Maria C. Baker, 84 of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at a local care facility, surrounded by her family. Services will be held 10:30am Monday, November 21, 2022, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Salix, IA. Burial will be in Woodbury Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm Sunday, November 20, 2022, with a prayer service at 7pm at the Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff, 400 4th street.

Maria C. Baker was born June 6, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Albert and Florence (Menard) Gray. She grew up in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa and graduated from Sergeant Bluff Luton High School.  Maria married Otis on December 29, 1956, in Salix, Iowa.  The couple had 5 children while stationed across the United States and in England. They would eventually settle in Maria’s hometown of Sergeant Bluff.

Maria was a devout Catholic who shared her love of God with people of all faiths as the kind of person she was and as a Chaplin. Maria never met a stranger and would speak with anyone. Her friendliness was easy for everyone to see.

She was a foodie before anyone knew what that was and taught us to try everything. She cooked dishes from other countries and took us to those restaurants.

She loved rainbows and taught us to love the moon, stars, sunsets, clouds and to not be afraid of storms. These few things don’t begin to fully describe all the facets of Maria, but one thing stands out to anyone who met her, to know her was to love her.

Maria is survived by her two sons, Christopher of Kansas City, MO, Timothy (Kim) of Westminster, SC, three daughters, Jody Wax of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Karen (Rick) Jackson of Hornick, IA, Susan Taylor of Memphis, TN, brother, Steve (Jill) Gray of California, sister, Julie Burns of Florida, 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Otis Baker, brother, Holman Gray, and her son-in-law, David Wax.