Florence (Friedrich) Baiter died peacefully on August 1, 2014, in St. Elmo, Illinois, at the age of 92. She was born in Perkins, Missouri, on February 20, 1922, to the late William and Esther (Kelso) Friedrich. She had three brothers, the late Lawrence Friedrich, the late Roy Friedrich, the late Franklin D. Reames, and two sisters, the late Flora (Dickie) Hess, and Frieda Mansker of Oran, Missouri. On February 14, 1942, she married the love of her life, Irvin Monroe Baiter, in Augusta, Georgia, where he was stationed in the army. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2005. Over the years they had 5 children: the late Lee Baiter of Chester, Illinois, the late Gerald Baiter and wife Stephanie of Sealy, Texas, Ronald Baiter and wife Mary Jo of Perryville, Missouri, Edwin Baiter and wife Mary Jane of Farina, Illinois, Janet Kay Baiter-Brandt and husband Johnny of Portland, Oregon, and son-in-law Terry McConkey of Chester, Illinois. . At her request, the families of each of the children of Irvin and Florence Baiter are listed below: Lee's Children: Barbara Hanebrink and husband Rick of Troy, Illinois; great-grandchildren Che, Ciara, Chad and Chase, Brian McBride of Troy, Illinois Chris Scantlin and wife Tricia of Iowa; great-grandchildren Cassie, Xendrea, Emma, Rachelle, Harley, James, and Hilary Sean Baiter and wife Sydney; great- grandson Ryden Baiter Willie Baiter and wife Jessica; great-grandchildren Billy and Nicki Baiter Gerald's Children: Shannon Glaser and husband Tony of Chester, Illinois; great-grandchildren Anthony, Devonte, Victoria (Brooke) Choate and husband Kyle of Perryville, Missouri, great-great-grandchildren Lilly and Aiden Choate, great-granddaughter Sara Maynard and husband Ray of Chester, Illinois; great-great-grandchildren Devin, Gabriel, and Stanley Donald Baiter of Huntsville, Texas; great-grandson Ethan Baiter Tina Bell and husband Brandon of Fouke, Arkansas; great-granddaughter Emily Bell Ronald's Children: Tammy Bodkin and husband Tim of Murphysboro, Illinois; great-grandchildren Brittney Mifflin, Joey and Staci Bodkin Ronnie Baiter of Carbondale, Illinois Melissa Baiter and boyfriend Ozie Whittier of Gorham, Illinois, great-grandchildren Caleb and Sadie Lewis Amy Lewis and husband Michael of Bacliff, Texas; great-grandchildren Selena, Michael, and Isaiah Jason James and wife Annie; great-grandchildren Shae and Dustin Jamie James and wife Shannon; great-grandchildren Trevor and Nick Edwin's Children: Sandie Culver and fiancée Steve Koester of Altamont, Illinois Susan Hawkey and husband Chad; great-grandchildren Alex and Jacob Hawkey Jessica Baiter of Hampton, Virginia; great-granddaughter Vivian Baiter Janet's Children:Daryl Baiter of Rocky Mount, N. Carolina, Angie Baiter of Rocky Mount, N. Carolina; great-grandchildren, Kasey Baiter and Lexi Baiter of Rocky Mount, N. Carolina, and Brianna Baiter of Farmington, Missouri ; great-great-grandchildren Aydin and Chloe Joshua McConkey of Perryville, Missouri Michael McConkey and wife Sarah of Crystal City, Missouri; great-grandchildren Alice and Ava McConkey. Florence always had a big garden, and she spent much of her time canning and freezing vegetables so she could give them to family and friends. She could whip up a scrumptious meal in no time, and nobody ever left her home hungry, without getting a hug, and without hearing her say, "I love you." Florence also loved to sew and was an accomplished seamstress. She worked in both a hat factory and a jacket factory until an auto accident forced her into early retirement. She took great pride in the quilts she made for everyone, and every single stitch was sewn with love. Florence was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of Chester, Illinois, and of the Royal Neighbors. No words can express the unconditional love and devotion Florence gave to her family. There was nothing more important on this earth to her than spending cherished family time, and her door was always open. She would spend hours going through photos, telling family stories, and she delighted in having kids and grandkids come to visit. Through happiness and heartache, she and Irvin remained a shining example of the importance of commitment to family. Florence gave a lifetime of unconditional love, and taught her family to be honest, fair, and above all else, to never take lightly the time they have with one another. Her advice to others: "Try to do things that are right, don't tell stories that aren't true, be honest with your family, and do the best you can raising your children - it's just somethin' else." Though her time on earth has come to an end, she will live on through the legacy of love she instilled in those who knew her best. Our hearts are heavy, but we know that Heaven has truly gained another precious angel. Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Saturday, August 9, 2014 Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Phil Keeton Interment: Williams Cemetery Perkins, Missouri Visitation: Friday - 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Saturday - 7:30 am - 10:00 am Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Memorials: Perkins Cemetery Association P.O. Box 38 Perkins, Missouri 63774
