Doris Ann (Meyer) Baker, age 81, of Batesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at St. Andrews Health Campus. She was born on December 6, 1943, in Hamburg, Indiana, to Albert and Martha (Schebler) Meyer.
Doris grew up “down on the farm” in Hamburg as one of 15 children. She often shared fond memories of her childhood, including her nickname “Pigeon,” milking cows before sunrise, tending the chickens, and playing in the creek with her siblings.
Her life changed forever when her sister Cathy and brother-in-law Steve introduced her to the love of her life, Joseph Baker, on a blind date at a Batesville High School basketball game. The two became inseparable, and on November 21, 1964, Doris and Joe were married at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Hamburg. Doris and Joe started their family in St. Mary’s and eventually bought a house in St. Leon where they’ve lived for the last 52 years. Together, they built a loving family and a marriage that lasted over 60 years.
Before dedicating herself to raising her children, Doris worked as a secretary for an accountant. As a homemaker, she poured love into everything she did from canning green beans, freezing corn, making strawberry jam and applesauce to preparing meals that became family favorites, especially her roast beef and cinnamon applesauce with marshmallows. Her love for children shone brightly. She raised her own with devotion and also babysat for others, blessing many families with her gentle care. Doris enjoyed tending her rose bushes, mowing grass, playing cards (with Scrabble as her favorite), puzzles, and singing and dancing along to country music. Doris treasured traveling and especially loved going on vacations with her family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She was happiest surrounded by family and friends, always ready to welcome guests with food, laughter, and warmth.
Doris had a deep and unwavering faith, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Her guiding principle was to always do what is right, no matter how hard it may be. She was known for her patience, positive outlook, wise guidance and wittiness, qualities that blessed all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Joe, and their eight children: Mike (Terri) Baker, Mark (Jere) Baker, Sherry Baker, Karen (Pat) Wilgenbusch, Kenny (Sandy) Baker, Rick (Renee) Baker, Sheila (Dave) Hoog, and Angie (Casey) Prifogle. Doris was the proud grandmother of 30 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom adored her.
She is survived by her siblings: Marge Hunter, Walter “Buck” Meyer, Jean Bomben, Cathy Amrhein, Henry Meyer, Fran Meyer, Joe Meyer, and Dave Meyer. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha Meyer, and her siblings Howard “Bud” Meyer, Ron Meyer, Ruth Lecher, and Mary Blanken.
Services honoring Doris will be held on Thursday, September 11 at the Parish Life Center of All Saints Parish in St. Leon. Rosary will begin at 4:45pm followed by visitation until 8:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Joseph Campus of All Saints Parish on Friday, September 12 at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund, or the Dementia Wing at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com