Patricia Ellen Baker

Patricia Ellen Baker, 79, of Athens, Indiana passed on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at her residence. Patty was born on December 24, 1946, in Rochester, Indiana, to the late Robert E. and Kathleen A. (Grogg) Nicodemus. She graduated from Akron High School in 1964 and later completed her training at Wright’s Beauty Salon of Logansport. On November 23, 2002, she married Marvin Daniel Baker in Rochester, Indiana. He survives. Patty was a longtime member of the VFW, Elks, Moose, and Eagles lodges of Rochester. She worked for many years as a hairdresser in Wabash, operating her own salon, Beauty‑Go‑Round, from 1976 to 1981, before continuing her work in Akron. She later joined Lau Industries in Rochester, where she retired after a decade of service. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Patty loved tending to her flowers and garden, sharing meals with family, and relaxing around the campfire. She enjoyed garage sales, playing bingo, watching the Colts and Notre Dame sports, and was known for her wonderful cooking, especially her dumplings and pies. Saturday mornings were often spent with her breakfast social club, a tradition she cherished. Patty had a warm, lively sense of humor and a gift for making others laugh. She is survived by her husband Dan Baker of Athens; sons Paul and wife Debbie Prater of Gilead and Greg Prater and Nancy Rans of Akron and; grandchildren Caleb, Katie, Kinzie, Layne; 6 Great Grandchildren; brothers Donald and Jeff Nicodemus; and step children April and husband Serafin Santiago, Brenda Baker, and Robin Fresh. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Linda Nicodemus, and former husband Orville Prater. The funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana with Michael Walters officiating. Visitation hours will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Indiana. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Fulton County Animal Adoption & Education Center 1540 N Wentzel St. Rochester, Indiana.

Patricia Ellen Baker

December 24, 1946 - March 1, 2026