Juanita Muriel Baker

Juanita Muriel Baker, better known as Muriel, age 92, of Bourbonnais went home to the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Citadel of Bourbonnais. She was born September 8, 1933 in Eichorn, IL. Muriel married Bill Baker on October 5, 1952 in the Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on June 14, 2017. Muriel graduated from Cave-in-Rock High School in May 1951. Later she attended Western Union College and Kankakee Community College. Muriel met the love of her life, Bill Baker in Manteno. In the years that followed there were four children born, Debi, Carol, Michael, and Lorrie. Muriel was a homemaker until 1972 when she started working part-time at J.C. Penney, then an opportunity came to her to work full time at Bourbonnais District #53 where she had been volunteering as much as she could. She worked there until retirement in September 1990 as the principal’s private secretary. Muriel was a charter member of her church, First Social Brethren, which later changed to River Valley Christian Fellowship. She served as a Sunday School teacher for 35 years and was a soloist at the church. In her community, she was a charter member of the Bourbonnais Woman’s Club and past president of Kankakee County Secretaries Association. Muriel helped name Noel LeVasseur School. She served on many charitable organizations, volunteered at Riverside Hospital in surgical waiting, and held secretary and other offices in the local Antique Car Club Association that she and Bill were members, and Chaplin of the Red Hat Club. They also enjoyed going to the Golden Ages Club at their church. She had a card ministry. Muriel designed the graphics and wrote the verses. She also visited hospitals and nursing homes. Muriel wrote poetry and two of her poems were published in poetry books. She also wrote short stories and wrote many eulogies. Muriel loved butterflies, cooking big meals, and doing activities with all her family when they could get together. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was one of the greatest joys in her life. Surviving are her children, Debi (Larry) Dawkins, Carol (Mark) Vidas, Michael (Patricia) Baker, and Lorrie (Andrew) Zarch; eight grandchildren, Nanette, Justin (Amanda), Joe, Matthew, Ginny, Wendy, Greg, and Caitlyn; nine great-grandchildren; and her great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Bill Baker, Muriel is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon & Pheba Turner; one sister, Wanda; one brother, Troy; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary Baker Burroughs & Joseph Baker. Private family services will be held. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Please sign her guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.

Juanita Muriel Baker

September 8, 1933 - August 26, 2026