Beverly “Bev” J. Baker — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Beverly “Bev” J. Baker, 67, of Carthage, passed away at 3:18 am Monday, January 27, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Bev was born June 7, 1957, in Southampton, NY to Thomas “Tim” and Mary Lou (Carson) Collum. She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1975, where she was an active participant in various sports, including softball, and field hockey. Her commitment to excellence and teamwork was evident both on and off the field. Following high school, Bev proudly served her country in the United States Navy, where she met the love of her life, Boyd M. Baker, in boot camp in Orlando, Florida. The couple married on April 1, 1977, in Tokyo, Japan embarking on a journey of love and partnership that would last a lifetime.
Bev’s passion for learning and helping others led her to further her education at Quincy University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She then pursued a master’s degree in RPTA (Recreation, Park, Tourism, and Administration) from Western Illinois University. For 21 years, Bev worked as an I.T. specialist as the WIU Help Desk Manager for the Computer Support Department, where she was known for her problem-solving skills and expertise.
A devout member of Immaculate Conception of Carthage, Bev’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She lived her beliefs through acts of kindness and community involvement. Bev’s love for the outdoors was unmatched. She was the founder of Friends of Argyle Lake State Park, an organization that fostered a connection between the community and the natural beauty of the park. Bev’s commitment to the environment also shone through in her involvement with the Maple Syrup Festival.
Bev’s interests were as vast as her heart. She found solace in the pages of romance novels and the excitement of college sports. A fan of Star Trek and Monty Python, she could always be counted on for a good laugh. Her culinary skills were appreciated by many, though she never passed up an opportunity to enjoy Chinese or seafood cuisine. Traveling was another of Bev’s joys, with trips to Hawaii and Europe among her most treasured experiences.
Family was the center of Bev’s world. She created unforgettable memories for her family with trips to Disney World and shared her love of the arts by taking each grandchild to the Fox Theatre. Her legacy of love and adventure will live on through her husband, Boyd; her children, Micky Roberts, Shannon Kissinger (Earl Varner), and Keegan Baker; her eight grandchildren, Ashtin Roberts, Ryan Roberts (Aurora), Ezra Roberts, Logan Kissinger (Camryn), Levi Kissinger, Kendra Kissinger, Kipton Kissinger, and Emily Baker; and her great-grandchild, Riley Roberts, with another on the way.
Bev is also survived by her in-laws, Jean Holt (Phil), Neal Baker, Bruce Baker (Jill), and Linda Baker; her brother, K.C. Collum, E. Hampton, her uncle, Edmond “Bud” Collum; and cousins Kenneth Collum (Cheryl), Kathrine Gibbons (Tom), Maureen Cooper (Thomas), Molly Standley (Brian), and Marty Watson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her aunt, Shelia Collum; her mother-in-law, Doris Shaffer; brother-in-law, R.C. Baker; sister-in-law, Cathe Baker; and niece, Jennifer Wiemelt.
Friends and Family are invited to Bev’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Monday, February 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy. Fr. James Pallardy will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree. Memorial contributions may be made to Friend of Argyle Lake.
Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.