Mary Kay (Baker) Rimkus

Mary Kay Rimkus, 74, of Battle Creek died at Bronson at Home Hospice Residence on Thursday, October 27, 2016.

Mary was born October 20, 1942 in DeKalb, Illinois to Maurice Matteson and Margaret (Holliday) Baker. She grew up in DeKalb and was a 1960 graduate of DeKalb High School. Mary swept a young man, Robert Frank Rimkus, attending Northern Illinois University off his feet. Mary and Bob were married on June 17, 1967 in DeKalb. Bob applied for a job at Kellogg Community College in 1977 and they have made Battle Creek their home since. Mary was a stay at home Mom until her children were in high school. She was employed for Blue Care Network; and for Debbie & Dwight Upston at the The "HOME" Magazine, serving Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

Surviving are Bob, her husband of 49+ years; two sons, Daniel R. Rimkus of St. Petersburg, FL, David A. (Jordan) Rimkus of Franklin, TN; two granddaughters, Emerson and Blair Rimkus; two brothers, Marvin (Susan) Baker of Highland Park, IL, Michael (Pamela) Baker of Vandalia, IL; several in-laws; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Mary was preceded in death by her father, Maurice Baker; mother and stepfather, Robert Moffett and Margaret (Holliday) Baker Moffett.

Mary lived her life for her family and loved following and being involved in their activities. She was a member of the Minges Brook PTA, Lakeview Area Council PTA, an officer for the Lakeview Baseball Boosters and a founding member of the Lakeview Soccer Boosters. She worked tirelessly on the mileage proposals for Lakeview School District. Mary was an avid Bears, Bulls and White Sox fan and she loved attending college football games. Mary loved following the lives of her family and her friend's families and until she was afflicted with Parkinson's, Mary could give you all the details. She will also be remembered for her convictions, her ability to discuss issues … and when you crossed the line, you better be ready for a real debate.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Robert G. Muirhead 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Mary may be made to KCC Foundation General Scholarship Fund, 450 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.