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.