Virginia Louise (Snyder) Baker, 85, Hamilton, MO, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2019, at Liberty Hospital, Liberty, MO.  She resided most of her life south of Hamilton in Caldwell County, MO.

Virginia was born to Earl Clayton and Lois Olivene (Eckelberry) Snyder on February 13, 1934.  In 1952 she graduated as valedictorian of her class at Penney High School.

Virginia married Robert Eugene Baker on February 3, 1953, at her parents' home.  The couple then lived in Hamilton, Butler, and Gallatin, MO, and Virginia worked at the Hamilton Bank and the Butler State Bank.  In 1963, Virginia and Bob purchased and returned to the farm where she was born.  There they raised three children while growing hay and row crops, plus raising horses and livestock.

Virginia lived a life of faith and service.  She was an active member of the Hamilton Federated Church, where she enjoyed the ministry and fellowship.  For many years prior, she was an active member of Kendall Chapel Church in rural Caldwell County, participating in Kendall Chapel Ladies Aid, teaching Sunday School, and serving many roles during Vacation Bible School.  Throughout her life, she loved music, especially singing and playing the piano.

In her community, Virginia enjoyed spending time with neighbors at the Harrison Community Club, serving meals during the early years of the Hamilton Steam Engine Show, leading 4-H classes, and supporting FFA, band, and other school activities.  She also helped with showing the family's Guernsey dairy cattle, where she might drive the truck pulling the cattle trailer; catch, wash, or milk a cow; or smooth rough edges if tempers flared in those nearby.

In 1980, Virginia enrolled as an entering freshman at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO.  She loved attending NWMSU and made many friends there.  Virginia graduated three and one-half years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.  Beginning in January 1984, she taught kindergarten at the Hamilton elementary school until her retirement in 1998.

She enjoyed sewing, piecing quilts, visiting with teacher friends, cooking, reading, working on the farm, visiting with former students, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She was cherished as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers J.D. Snyder, Clayton Snyder, and Bill Snyder; and beloved dachshund Addie.

Survivors:  husband, Robert; children, Kent (Michelle), Mike (Judy), and Beth (Bob Brodersen); grandchildren, Meredith (Sid) Rulon, Melissa (Ryan) Fleming, Amy (Tim) Daily, Adam (Nikki) Baker, Katie Baker-Orr, Jim Baker, Nick (Eva) Brodersen, and Sam Brodersen; 13 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Ellyn Snyder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral:  2 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2019, at the Hamilton Federated Church.

Visitation:  12:30 to 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2, at the church.

Interment:  Highland Cemetery, Hamilton.

Memorials:  The Hamilton Federated Church or the Kendall Chapel Church.

Arrangements:  Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton.

www.bramfuneralservices.com