Mary Patricia Baker, 84, of Billings, formerly of Glasgow, passed away on Friday, Oct. 14th, 2016 at The Springs at Grand Park in Billings, MT. Pat was born September 12th, 1932 on Sunnybrook Farm in the Garland community East of Powell, WY. She was the daughter of Percy and Beth Cubbage. Percy died before Pat was 5 years old. Beth later married Tesla Green and he adopted Pat.
Pat graduated from Powell High School in 1950 and continued her education at MSU in Bozeman, MT. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and was active in many campus organizations. These four college years were the most defining years of her life. She made many lifelong friends while at MSU. She graduated in 1954 with a degree in Physical Education and Business Education. Pat then went to Glasgow in the fall of 1954 and began her teaching career at Glasgow High School. She met and married Bob Baker of Glasgow on June 10th, 1955. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Dirk and Bo. After the birth of her two sons, Pat was a stay-at-home mom until the boys started school. In 1969 she returned to full-time teaching until June of 1992 when she retired after 32 years in the classroom. In April of 1994 she was appointed Valley County Superintendent of Schools. In April of 1997 she resigned due to family illness. After Bob passed away, she moved to Billings in Oct. 2005 to be closer to her grandkids.
Pat was a member of P.E.O., First Congregational Church of Glasgow where she taught Sunday school for many years, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers honorary and served a term as president. She was also a member of Mountain Ash Homeowners Association and was the president for 1 year. Pat was active in Global Grannies, where she made many friends and got to see some of the world. She is also a very proud lifetime member of the MSU Alumni Association.
Her biggest joy in life was spending time with her sons and their families. Pat especially enjoyed spending time at the Pines cabin with the family. Her four grandchildren were the joy of her life. She always enjoyed seeing former students and reminiscing about Glasgow High School. She maintained contact with many of her students throughout the years. Pat touched many lives during her time at Glasgow High School and many of her students speak fondly of her. Past students may remember her strong reminder about not running in the halls or wearing a hat in school.
Pat is survived by her sons Dirk (Tammy) of Hillsboro, Oregon and Bo (Amy) of Billings. Her four grandchildren, Kelsey and Tanner Baker of Hillsboro and Brynlee and Bryan Baker of Billings. Sister, Joyce Pattison of Pavillion, WY. Her husband Richard and children Carrie, Matt and their families. Brother Ray Green and his wife Kay of Powell, WY. Their children Mark, LaRae, Kristie and their families. Special niece Sandra LaFond Zagzuela of Centralia, Washington and nephew Dennis LaFond of Eugene, Oregon. Constant companion, her dog Nigel.
Her parents, Tesla and Beth Green, Percy Cubbage, husband Bob Baker, mother-in-law Ella Vohs, special Aunt Eliza Basham, and her faithful companion Bonus preceded Pat in death.
Eternal gratitude is extended to all the staff and caregivers at The Springs at Grand Park where Pat had lived for the past 2 ½ years. She enjoyed her time there and made many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, Oct. 20th, 2016 at The First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, MT. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19th, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, MT. Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery. A reception will be held after the burial at the Cottonwood Inn from 4-8 PM.
Memorials may be made to the Glasgow High School Trust fund or the charity of your choice in Pat’s name.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 PM
Wednesday October 19, 2016
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, MT 59230
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Thursday October 20, 2016
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Avenue North
Glasgow, MT 59230
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Jolene Schack Dommer says
When I was in high school I would always mention Mrs Baker to my mom. My mom told me she knew her as Miss Cubbage. My mom was one of her first students when she began teaching in Glasgow.
Joan Taylor says
I had the pleasure to have her as a teacher and a friend. Rest in peace sweet lady.
wayne lersbak says
Pat was a wonderful person and teacher. She barked, but never bit. ha. It was a real joy to smile at her when meeting in the hall. She always wore a white PE suit/ shorts. Sometimes she would not smile as trying to act tough. A teacher that made us follow the rules and you knew she was one your side.
Wayne Lersbak, 1961
Keylee Canen says
From church to high school, I had many connections with Mrs. Baker in Glasgow. Two things I will always remember about her 1) I was sitting in her class room when we got the news that the space shuttle Challenger exploded. 2) is her teaching me how to type, yes, on a typewriter. We were not allowed to move our heads when typing, look straight ahead to the book, but she helped me and allowed me to since I always missed lines, due to my bi-focal glasses. Thanks for being a great teacher and having a lasting impression on me.
Bo Baker says
Thank you Lori. I really appreciate the thoughts.
Lori Geary says
Pat was an extraordinary woman. Very strong, jovial, funny, serious, knowledgeable, dedicated and loving. I could go on. She was a very exceptional lady. I really got to know Pat better these last few years through our phone conversations. She was a part of our family that will live forever in our hearts and memories. A very loving mother and grandmother she was always bragging about her family. I so enjoyed hearing all the stories of the trips to Ft.Peck (since that was one place I was familiar with from our trips to Montana) and the escapades of all the grandkids. She always talked so proudly about her boys, too. She will be missed by her relatives here in Wisconsin. We will always remember the good times we shared in Glasgow. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with all of you at this time. Remember the good times. She is at peace and watching over you along with Ella, Don and Bob.
With our love and sympathy, Dan & Lori Geary and Pete & Jeannette Hoffmann
Allen Sevareid Jr. says
Mrs. Baker will have a lasting legacy to those she touched in so many ways! I have many people to thank for helping me to decide and become a school teacher, and she was one of them! She had an extraordinary memory, and always remembered names, which always felt special, because that meant she cared about you. My dad had many fond memories of Mrs. Baker and her husband Bob! I remember when I was young, dad used to swing by their house or bump into them downtown and BS for hours! No doubt all of the people “Pat” touched has made her mark on many, including myself! Mrs. Baker you will be missed, not only as a great teacher, but also as one of the best people to touch so many lives in so many positive ways!
Emily says
Her wit and strength made u almost afraid not to do your best. I attribute my super fast skills to her pushing me to do my best. Helping me earn extra $ in college typing papers for others!!! A great teacher and woman. She will be missed. Thanks Ms. Baker.
Janelle Schultz says
I had the great pleasure to teach with Pat in Glasgow and she became one of my dearest friends. Heaven surely has a precious angel. Dirk and Bo, you were the lights of her world. Prayers are with you and your families in this time of loss. Rest in peace, my sweet friend.
Tim Connors says
A lot of great memories! One of my favorites. My thoughts are with the Baker Brothers. Mrs. B was a great one.
God Bless, Tim Connors
Lisa Holding says
I loved typing class with Mes. Baker. She uses so much humor while teaching…such a neat lady and class-act teacher! So sorry she is gone!
Renee Sonsteng Lovelace says
She was an awesome teacher, always enjoyed her class!! and I am sure she was a great Mom, as I know Bo and he is awesome!! Thoughts and prayers to all of you !! So sorry to hear of her passing , she was one of the greats!!!
Bo Baker says
I wanted to thank all of the people in Glasgow and the former students of my mom. I always enjoy hearing stories about her teaching days. She was a great mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend!
Thank you all again!!
Bo
The Beede's says
We will miss her wit, stories and charm! She was a classic!!
Love to the family and all those sad today.
Valerie Barstad says
Mrs. Baker was the best! She was an amazing lady inside and out.
Larkin Eilek says
Dirk and Bo,
I just heard of the passing of Pat. I am truly sorry for your loss.
I have so many vivid memories of Pat including her little funny giggle/snort and especially….. her exasperation with something you two boys had just done! She would lovingly scold you two and then turn her head and laugh at your antics! She once told me she wanted you two to think of something “”warm and fuzzy”” EVERY time you thought of her and I bet she accomplished that! She loved you two more than life itself. This world be a much better place if everyone could have been blessed with a mother who loved her kids like Pat loved you.
I still have the crystal gifts she would give me for every special occasion (birthday, Christmas, house warming…). She will forever remain a treasure in my heart that I was able to share during some very formative years of my life.
Dirkie and Bo, you are in my heart. May you boys continue flying through the kitchen playing “”white man””. Bo, don’t dry your glasses on the toaster. Dirk, do the “”flamingo walk”” one more time for me!
BTW…. I had a puppy I named “”Bo””. Yup…after Bo! Dirk – forever respected.
Much love, Larkin
Fr. MICHAEL Schneider says
My prayers for your family. I appreciated getting to know her outside of school. I enjoyed visits and dinner with her in Billings.