Mary Ellen Hayden Baker passed peacefully into God’s loving care on Monday, December 22, 2025, at The Willows at Fritz Farm Senior Living Facility in Lexington, Kentucky. Born on July 23, 1947, she was a lifelong resident of South Shore, Kentucky, and a 1965 graduate of McKell High School.
Mary was well-known throughout the tri-state area for her exceptional monogramming and quilting talents, which she shared generously with both individuals and local businesses. Her craftsmanship reflected not only her skill but the care and pride she took in everything she did.
A woman of strong faith and deep community ties, Mary was an active member of Sunshine Community Church and the Sunshine Women’s Group. She was a devoted supporter of Camp Tarhe in Blue Creek, Ohio, and remained actively involved in bowling and golf leagues for many years. One of her proudest accomplishments was achieving a hole-in-one on #6 at The Lakes Golf Course. Mary was famous for her peanut butter pies, faithfully cheered on University of Kentucky basketball and football, and found joy in time spent with family, friends, and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Louise (Hamilton) Hayden, and by her husband of many years, Shellie Baker.
Mary is survived by her children, Kevin Baker of South Portsmouth, Kentucky; Jason (Angie) Baker of Portsmouth, Ohio; and Angie (James) Bowling of Lexington, Kentucky—each of whom she was immensely proud. She was a loving big sister to Joyce Martin, Lana Crawford, and David Hayden. Mary took particular delight in her grandchildren: Awndria Baker, Hayden Baker, Jayla (Ryan) Glockner, Devon Bowling, Gavin Baker, Shelby Baker, and Grace Baker. She cherished her daily visits with her great-granddaughter, Guinevere Glockner. Mary is also survived by her husband, Larry Easter, and his children, Chrisanne, Sueanne, and Larry Jr.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of The Willows and Bluegrass Care Navigators Hospice for the kindness, dignity, and respect shown to Mary during her care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Camp Tarhe (℅ Kristy Gross, 224 Seaton Dr./Russell, KY 41169) or to the Sunshine Community Church Women’s Group (℅ Elinda Boyles, PO Box 235/South Shore, KY 41175) in her honor.
Mary’s faith was evident in the way she loved others and served her community. She now rests in the arms of Jesus, reunited with those who went before her, and surrounded by perfect peace. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is home, and they look forward to the day when they will be reunited again in God’s eternal kingdom.
Funeral services will be 1 P.M. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Sunshine Community Church, 16 Tygart Bend Road, South Shore, KY 41175, with Chris Fannin and Kenny Fox officiating. Burial will follow at MT Zion Cemetery in South Shore, KY. Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday at the Church from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour. Morton-Hunt Family Funeral Home in South Shore, KY., is caring for arrangements.