Winifred “Sue” Baker-Sesser, Illinois

Winifred “Sue” Baker, 96, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on November 4, 2026.

Sue was born on January 17, 1930, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Dennis Fleet and Olive May (Reel) Hislip. She was united in marriage to Robert Noel Baker on February 8, 1948. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1993.

Sue is survived by her children, Janet Baker of Sesser, Dennis (Michelle) Baker of Benton, and Bradley Baker of Sesser; her grandchildren, Amy (Kirk) Tipton, Todd Spotanski, Jill Meisel, Colten Baker, Tyler (Emily) Baker, Nakoa Baker, and Hillary (Austin) Martin; and her great-grandchildren, Olivia Tipton, Allison Meisel, Tommy Meisel, Aaliyah Walls, Lyric Walls, Alora Martin, Addy Jo Martin, and Axel Martin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Patty Keith, and her niece, Nancy Manwarring.

Sue was a 1947 graduate of Oaktown High School in Indiana. She and her classmate, Gene King, were the last surviving members of their graduating class. They stayed in contact throughout the years.

Throughout her life, Sue had many dear friends. The family would especially like to recognize Shirley Spangler for her many years of friendship, love, and devotion to Sue. Sue loved Shirley like a daughter.

Sue found great happiness in doing the things she loved. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and was well known for her fried chicken recipe. She also enjoyed creating beautiful flower arrangements, playing the organ and piano, and, of course, shopping. Her love of cooking and sharing meals was one of the many ways she showed her love for those around her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at DuQuoin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Residential Hospice for the compassion, love, and care they provided Sue during her final months. Your kindness and dedication during her final days will never be forgotten.

A special thank-you goes to the staff at Heritage Woods in Benton, where Sue spent five years surrounded by loving and caring individuals. The family would especially like to recognize Nurse Gina Harris, Melissa Odle-PA, and Director Nicole Garrett for their unwavering support, exceptional care, and for loving Sue as though she were their own family. Your kindness and dedication meant more than words can express. The family was grateful for the extra care and love that caretakers Abby, Verna, Chloe, and Ruby provided for Sue at a time when she needed it the most.

During Sue’s time at Heritage Woods, residents were blessed each Christmas with gifts and supplies from Benton Can’s Can Ministries. Sue always looked forward to and appreciated their generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Can’s Can Ministries in Sue’s memory. Donations may be made at the funeral home or mailed to: Can’s Can Ministries, 205 Bailey Lane, Benton, IL 62812.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Michael McClure officiating. Interment will follow in the Horse Prairie Cemetery of Sesser, Illinois, with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To give online condolences or to share memories of Sue, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.