Obituary published on Legacy.com by Klein Funeral Home & Memorial Park - Magnolia-The Woodlands on Jul. 16, 2025.
Gloria May Baker, 81, of Montgomery, TX, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on July 14, 2025. She was born on March 3, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the beloved daughter of the late Eugene Smith and Gizella "Grace" Kaylo.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings. She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Glenn Louie "Bud" Baker; her brother, Gary Jasinski (wife Norma); and her five children: Kim Kirchner, Wendy Golden (husband Tommy), Brian Kirchner (partner Shayne), Jason Baker (wife Denise), and Brian Baker (wife Jennifer). She was a proud grandmother to Tori Weber (husband Seth), Tanner Morris (wife Katherine), Trevor Morris (wife Jacky), Zoë Chacón, Jack Golden, Lily Golden, Haven Baker, Hazel Baker, Conner Lewis, and MacKenzie Lewis. One of her greatest joys was becoming a great-grandmother to Wyatt Weber. Her memory will also live on in the hearts of her nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, she developed the strength, warmth, and determination that would carry her through life. After graduating from St. Michael High School, she married her former spouse and became a devoted mother to three children. Later, Gloria met the love of her life, Bud Baker, and together they carefully blended their families when they married on July 14, 1984.
A passionate cook, she always had food ready, meals she affectionately called "snacks," for anyone who stopped by. Her spaghetti recipe, which she perfected over time and was deeply proud of, was loved by all. Decorating was another joy, with seasonal touches always placed in just the right spot. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying murder mysteries, and loved singing, even if she didn't know the words. Gloria also adored animals and had many dogs throughout her life, most notably her beloved Sophie, who preceded her in death.
She played tennis for years and was a longtime member of The Woodlands Country Club, where she met Bud. Together, they shared a deep love for travel and visited many places throughout their lives. Favorites included South Africa, New Zealand, Europe, and a special trip to the Cayman Islands with their grandchildren later in life. Skiing was another favorite, and she took many memorable trips with friends and family.
Faith was central to her life. She lived with quiet grace and strength, and her belief that everything would work out as it should was so strong that it radiated to those around her. Endlessly funny, she loved making people laugh and have a good time. Games, stories, and meaningful moments were her specialty, and she brought joy to every gathering. Often preparing large meals and filling her home with warmth and laughter, she created the kind of togetherness that made memories last. Her legacy is one of devotion, laughter, and unconditional love. A life fully lived and deeply cherished. A natural caretaker and nurturer, she was the steady, loving presence that held her family together, their matriarch and their backbone.
A memorial service will take place at Klein Funeral Home at 14711 FM 1488 in Magnolia TX. Visitation begins at 1:00 pm and the service will start at 2:00 pm.
Contributions in her memory may be made to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Antique Rose Florist (281) 356-7478 Magnolia Flower Patch and Boutique (346) 703-0123
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Klein Funeral Home - Magnolia-The Woodlands