Patricia Hereford Wright Baker stepped into eternity on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at her home surrounded by those who loved her most. She was 89 years young and a resident of the Cawood, Kentucky, community.

Born on March 10, 1934, in Dorton, KY, Pat was the third of five daughters born to Arnold and Virginia Hereford Wright. She graduated high school from the Pikeville College Academy, attended Pikeville College for two years and obtained her bachelor's degree in education from Berea College, where she met Tipton 'Tip' Baker. Pat and Tip were married in August of 1956. They eventually made their home in eastern Kentucky, where Pat became a teacher. She spent the better part of 32 years teaching and loving on first graders. Pat and Tip were parents to seven children: Sissy, Janie, Ben, Tippy, little Bill, Ron, and Tara. They had two bonus sons: Bill and Don.

Pat was a firecracker of a lady. She was outgoing, opinionated, and didn't hesitate to let you know what she was thinking. She was a great conversationalist and never seemed to meet a stranger. She enjoyed knitting, quilting, gardening, and serving. For ten years, Pat and her best friend, Nan Howard, volunteered at Christ's Hands serving the residents of the Harlan area. Faith was a vital part of Pat's life and its importance had been instilled in her at a young age by her parents. She, in turn, instilled those same values in her own children. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harlan, where she loved to sing in the church choir. Her most precious possessions were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as her fur-baby, Stark, a Golden Retriever. Pat's absence leaves a huge void in the hearts of those who love her, but they know for certain that she is celebrating in the presence of her God with family members who were there to welcome her home.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Virginia Wright; her husband, Tip Baker; three children: Sissy, Tippy, and little Bill; a son-in-law, Steve Cooksey; and two sisters: Janice Bailey and Clair Stubblefield.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Janie Cooksey of Burkesville, KY; Ben Taylor Baker (Karen) of Cawood, KY; Ron Baker (Debra) of Fletcher, NC; Tara Baker of Clark, NJ; three bonus sons: Bill Baker, Don Short (Brenda); two sisters: Carolyn Ford of Prestonsburg, KY and Margaret Boley of Winchester, KY; twelve grandchildren: Bradley Hall (Shining), Casey  Hall (Arielle), Brittany Major (Roderick), Katelyn Card (Chris), Chase Baker, Taylor Baker (Troy Wells) Sydney Baker, Shane Short (Barbara), Carol Corum (Jason), Tommy Baker, Kari Cooksey, Eric Cooksey; sixteen great-grandchildren; special friends, Jerry and Wanda Weaver, Grover and Mary Bret Milwee; a host of extended relatives and many dear friends. Of those who will mourn her absence, perhaps none will do so more than her beloved companion, Stark, who was by her side for many years, until the end.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:00-2:00pm at the Harlan Presbyterian Church. Pat's Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church building fund or Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice).

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Pat Baker.