Cindy Baker, 76

Cindy Baker, of Clearfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Born Cynthia Jean Gordon in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dr. Marvin Gordon and Jean Francis (Slocum) Gordon on January 16, 1949, Cindy was the eldest of four sisters, including Kathy, Connie, and Christie.
Cindy was a proud graduate of the Clearfield High School Class of 1967, where she excelled academically and earned the honor of valedictorian.  It was during her school years that Cindy met the love of her life, Galen Baker, in the fourth grade. They were married on July 12, 1969.
She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1971 with a degree in education and completed her master’s degree in 1988 through Drake University. Cindy taught in the Jefferson, Corning, and Lenox school districts for a combined 38 years.
Throughout her long career, she wore many hats: she sponsored FHA, the junior class, and the hot lunch program, served as equity director and curriculum director, and even taught chemistry and coached junior high basketball when there was no one else. Her students, particularly those in her Foods, Child Development, and Marriage and Family classes, fondly remember her as a caring and dedicated teacher who always went the extra mile.
Cindy enjoyed spending time with family and friends and had a deep love for social gatherings. She was a gifted seamstress, regularly altering prom and wedding dresses well into her late 60s. Her home was always beautifully decorated, as she loved tackling home décor projects. Cindy was also a talented cook and baker who collected cookbooks and loved trying new recipes. She handmade Christmas stockings for all her family members, created quilts to give away, repaired many farmers’ jeans, and sewed new outfits for her granddaughters to enjoy.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Galen Baker; son Gabe Baker (Jessie); daughters Gretchen Wimer (Matt) and Gentry Landers (Bryce); grandchildren Genesis, Maxwell, Macy, and Wyatt; sisters Christie Brown and Jane Richards; several step-siblings; nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family, with plans to donate to the Family and Consumer Sciences departments at Lenox High School and Mount Ayr High School.
A celebration of Cindy’s life will be held at the Lenox Community Center on November 8th starting at 11am with serving to begin at noon.  Please join us in celebrating Cindy with laughter and stories as we grieve the passing of this wonderful woman.