A Dear Sweet Lady

I’ve known Mabel for over 16 years and I’ve never seen her without her trademark smile.  She was a positive role model for me.  I’ve always said, “I want to be just like Mabel when I grow up!”  Mabel always had something good to say about somebody or something.  And man could she sing!  She is singing right now in the heavenly chorus.  Even when her body fought her with pain, she came to church to worship if humanly possible.  What a lasting legacy she leaves for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew her.  Mabel’s hope was in Jesus.  Her hope is now realized.  She is with the One she loves.  See you soon dear sister!  Keep singing and smiling!

TECUMSEH — Martha (Mabel) Baskins-Baker, 90, of Tecumseh broke the bonds of this earth and went to her permanent Heavenly home to be with God. We believe the angels were rejoicing to see this saintly woman come home.

Mabel was born in Morrilton, Ark., on Feb. 26, 1916, the daughter of William and Annie (Williams) Kissire. On Jan. 26, 1935, she married William “Holland” Baskins who preceded her in death on May 13, 1977.

Mabel and Holland had three children, Donald (Chun) Baskins, Barbara (Bernie) Callis and Susan (Bob) Austin. They had nine grandchildren that they adored and who loved them dearly, Melinda, Rachel, Benjamin, Stephen, Richard, Matthew, Michael, Adam and Dustin. She had 15 great-grandchildren who were all very close to her. She was a part of all her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She had three brothers, Bill, Frank and Buck, and two sisters, Annetta (Dawson) Gilmore and Atholene (Lee) Daas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Bill and Buck.

In 1984 Mabel married William “Bill” Baker who also preceded her in death in 1989.

She is also survived by Bill’s five children, Lois, Jim, Jack, Jeff and Lisa. Another son, John, preceded Mabel in death.

She also had many nieces, nephews and friends from many cities and states. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Tecumseh, served God faithfully and was an inspiration to many.

Mabel was simply the best mother, wife, grandma, sister, aunt and friend anyone could have. She will be greatly missed by all.

The family will receive friends at the Tecumseh Chapel of Couture-Handler Funeral Homes on Friday, Aug. 25, 2006, from 2-8 p.m. Her funeral will be held at the Church of Christ in Tecumseh at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, with Tom Haddox officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Township Cemetery, Tipton. The family will also receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday.

Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.couture-handler.com.