Naomi Nelle Patchett Baker

Naomi Nelle Patchett Baker, age 96, of West York, IL passed away at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at Heartland Nursing Center, Casey, IL.  She was born December 15, 1923 in the white house across from the Martinsville Fair grounds in Martinsville, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Herman Glen Patchett and Bernice Spittler Patchett.

Naomi attended Martinsville schools and graduated from Martinsville High School.  On January 2, 1948 she married Wayne Eugene Baker in Westfield, IL and quickly settled into the role of a farmer’s wife and was able to begin volunteer work when not farming. 

Naomi worked many jobs throughout her lifetime, Illinois Café, Moore’s Grocery Store, Longhorn Café, Illinois Consolidated, Apple House and Ross Shop.   Naomi was the manager for Newman Apple House for 18 years.  She was a Harness Race Horse Trainer with her dad and assisted him until his death.  Naomi served 12 years as Track Marshall for Martinsville Ag Fair.

Wayne and Naomi along with Helen and Howard Maxwell worked together to organize 4th Infantry Medics Reunions (Wayne was a medic during WWII) and Naomi published the 4th Infantry Medics Newsletter for many years.  She joined the Annapolis American Legion Auxillary in 1949 where she served as Treasurer and President and District President and Officer.  Eventually her membership transferred to the Martinsville American Legion Auxiliary.   Naomi volunteered over 2000 hours to the Danville VA Hospital.  She later served as a VA Representative for Hutsonville Heritage House. 

Naomi became a 4-H Leader in 1937 when she joined The Get Together Girls.  In 2002 she was honored for “Fifty Years of Service” as a 4-H volunteer leader at the University of Illinois.  Naomi helped with the Merry Sunbeams, The New Horizons and Moriah Go Getters.  She was the bookkeeper for the county’s annual 4-H fundraiser and served as business manager of the Leisure Craft and Counseling Camp for over 30 years.   

On April 17, 1976 she joined DAR where she served in many offices including Regent and was a current member.  Naomi was over a 20 year member of the Ruritian Club in West Union and Annapolis and where she has served as a District Governor, President and Treasurer. 

Naomi was a faithful member of Melrose Church of God, where she taught adult Sunday school.  She was a member of the Clark County Home Extension.  Her hobbies included needlework, food preparation, oil painting, leather crafting, basket making and many more.  She enjoyed bowling and was an officer and Secretary for many leagues.

Survivors include her niece and nephews, Patricia Patchett Garver (William) of Casey, IL; Larry Patchett of Casey, IL and Kleon Baker (June) of Oakland, IL; nephew in law, Walter Brown of Oak Ridge, TN; many great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne Eugene Baker on February 17, 1998; brother and sister in law, Kermit B. Patchett and Eileen Chapman Patchett; niece, Linda K. Patchett Brown; niece in law, Mary Lou Booth Patchett and great nephew, Roger Kermit Brown.   

Due to current social restrictions, graveside services and burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, rural Martinsville, IL with Pastor Danny Harper officiating.    

Memorial donations may be made to Hutsonville Heritage House, 207 S. Wood Lane, Hutsonville, IL 62433.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.   Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Naomi Nelle Patchett Baker, please visit our floral store.