Carol A. (Baker) Mance, of Streator passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 at Flanagan Rehabilitation and Health Center. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 am, at St. Anthony cemetery in Streator. A celebration of her life will follow starting at 11:00 – 1:00 pm at PNA Hall.

Born April 27, 1942 in Streator, Carol was the daughter of Donald and Vera (Jonen) Baker. She is survived by daughter Michelle (Mance) Hammerly, and her husband, Rodney Hammerly; sister Donna Bandura of Danville, Kentucky, sister Becky (Ron) Blue of Streator and brother Tim (Mary Beth) Baker of Bloomington, seven grandchildren including Grant Hammerly, Matt Mance, Holli Rodrick, Brandi Rodrick, Wendi Rodrick, Tayler Schippert and Kamryn Mance; and several great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Michael Mance in 2015, daughter Susan Rodrick in 2023, brothers Tom Baker and David “Art” Baker, sisters Janet Mehalic, Mary Kay Hoffmeyer, niece Jennifer Baker, nephew Todd Baker, and great grandchild Tilli (Rodrick) Wagner.

Born and raised in Streator, she attended St. Anthony Grade School and Streator High School, graduated with the class of 1960. She worked for several years at Anchor Glass and US Foods before her retirement. Growing up in Streator, she loved to play baseball and was better than most of the boys in her neighborhood. She could easily out hit, out throw, and out run most of them. Later, she was instrumental giving time and support to the Streator Girls Softball League, and establishing that for generations to come. During retirement, she could be found driving her blue GMC pick-up around Streator, heading to Spring Lake with her truck filled with gardening tools, dirt, flowers, bird seed, etc. She loved nature, gardening, and helped make the park beautiful for others to enjoy. She loved dogs more than anything, especially stray dogs, and spent any extra money she had to help them, and rescue organizations. She enjoyed helping to raise her grandchildren and loved the Chicago Cubs. She is remembered as a loving, compassionate woman always willing to help others, anyone in need.

Memorial messages can be sent to website for Central Cremation Center in Forsyth, IL or mhammerly@gt.rr.com. Donations to Carol’s burial service can be made at the Streator Community Credit Union, c/o Carol Mance, or to your local humane society.