Cathy Jane Baker, aged 65, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away in the arms of her husband at her home on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Born on October 21, 1960 in St Louis, MO, she was the beloved daughter of the late Ruth and Jack Raidt. Cathy was a proud graduate of Ursuline Academy High School in St. Louis, MO, and the University of Missouri Science & Technology in Rolla, MO, where she earned a degree in Civil Engineering.
Cathy's career as a civil engineer began with the Missouri State Highway Department, where she worked in both Jefferson City and St. Joseph. She was particularly proud of obtaining her Professional Engineering License on her first attempt. Despite her professional success, Cathy chose to dedicate her life to her family, becoming a fully present mother and grandmother.
A devout Catholic, Cathy was a former member of St. James Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MO, and a current member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, as was her love for her family, friends, and community. Cathy was an active volunteer, a passionate fan of Harrison Butker, and STL Cardinals fan, a lover of books and good company.
She delighted in sounds of hustle and bustle around her, and always had time for an extended midwestern goodbye. There was always time for 5 more minutes to chat. She loved her girlfriends, her wine, and the newest book she discovered. Her sharp mind guided her in motherhood and faith. Her innate inquisitive nature never left her family bored. She was a giant, despite her stature. She nourished those around her with her joy, laughter, and willingness to share a gab. She never knew a stranger. She loved her family, her faith, and her math. She out shined her flaws so brightly you'd forget they existed. "That's the scoop" was her favorite line to conclude a phone call.
Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Bill Baker; her children, Erica (Kevin) Lanning, Rachel Baker, Elizabeth (Xing) Ji, and Joseph (Jossie) Baker; her siblings, Susan (Gary) Bland, Nancy (Gary) Growney, Mary (Ed) Reck, Carol (Paul) Frattini, Linda (Ray) Slesinski, and Dave (Kathy) Raidt; her cherished grandchildren, Serenitee Baker, Ke'Asia Withers, Karlton Baker, and Madalynn Lanning; and her mother-in-law, Patricia Ann Baker. She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Jack Raidt.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5501 Monticello Rd, Shawnee Mission, KS. 66226, Fr. Dan Morris Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 pm, Thursday at the St. James Catholic Church, 5814 King Hill Blvd, St. Joseph, Missouri, by Fr. Joseph Totton. The Interment will be at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Kansas City, KS at 1:30pm. Memorials are requested to the Pregrency Center of Wyandotte & Olathe, 3021 No. 54th St., Kansas City, KS 66104, or the Kansans for Life, 10550 Barkley St., #200, Overland Park, KS, 66212.
