Laverne Lucille Baker, 92, Jefferson City, passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at the Timbers in Holts Summit, with her family by her side.
She was born Dec. 6, 1933, the oldest of seven children to the late Evert and Lucille (Beckmann) Baker at home in Chamois.
She graduated from Chamois High School in 1951, and took various classes throughout her life, learning Russian, one of her favorite classes.
After graduating, Laverne moved to St. Louis and went to work for Ralston Purina, and later Mercantile Bank. After her dad’s death, she moved back to Chamois briefly and worked for the United Bank of Chamois and Montgomery Ward.
Laverne then moved to Jefferson City in 1987 and went to work for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, from which she retired in 2014.
Sis (or Sissy) as she was lovingly called by her brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great- nieces and nephews, loved all sports, and while she never played herself, she never missed a soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, football, volleyball game or track or cross country meet that her family was involved in. Laverne also attended concerts, knowledge bowls, art shows and plays, cheering on family kids.
She gifted every new baby with a piggy bank and every graduate with a suitcase.
Laverne was fiercely independent, extremely intelligent and very loving.
While living in St. Louis, she enjoyed going to the Muny Opera and the Fabulous Fox. She was a huge fan of Elvis Presley, having seen him in a live performance. Laverne watched every St. Louis Cardinals ballgame she could find on TV or radio.
She was preceded in death by parents, Evert and Lucille; and brothers Ronald, Neil and Alan.
Laverne is survived by brother, David Baker of Jefferson City; sisters, Barbara Maxwell of Jefferson City and Debra Cramer of Chamois; sister-in-law, Ann Baker of Jefferson City; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, Aug. 13, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Chamois. Interment was in the Oakland Cemetery in Chamois near her parents graves.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. John’s UCC or to Friends of Chamois Cemeteries (FCC).
The family would like to note that The Timbers took loving care of Laverne and she made many friends there.
Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
