Betty Ellen (Tucker) Baker-Macke, loving wife and friend to T. Joe Macke, West Union, IL, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on January 26, 2025, at the age of 86.

Betty was born at home on August 18, 1939, the daughter of V. Lee and Jessie Ellen (Dyson) Tucker of Champaign, IL. In childhood, she lived in Colorado and Michigan, then returned to Illinois. She graduated from high school in LeRoy, IL, in 1957 and married Don C. Baker.

When her children were young, Betty served in several women's clubs and community organizations, including a term as PTA secretary, and later president. She led a Brownie troop and was very active in Girl Scouts, where she oversaw programs like the annual Day Camp (summer week-in-the-park activity), and later served as a Cub Scout den mother. She worked as a tax preparer with H&R Block for more than a decade and then worked with accountant Lyle Barr before starting her own business, Baker Bookkeeping & Tax Service in Terre Haute, IN.

In 1983, Betty became an Enrolled Agent (licensed to practice before the IRS). She was also a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals and the American Society of Women Accountants. She loved doing taxes and helping people save money, and she enjoyed seeing all the people who came back year after year, including many who had moved away but travelled to her office from distant states every spring.

Betty married Joe Macke in 2000, and was always grateful for the loving way her second family accepted her into the fold. After she sold her business and retired, Betty continued to help people with taxes through a volunteer program at the Marshall Public Library.

Well known for her kindness, generosity and compassion, Betty was a faithful member of Marshall Trinity United Methodist Church. She loved her family and friends (and her cats). Her hobbies included reading, knitting, singing, and gardening, and she was always happy when she had extra produce to share.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Don Baker, son Derek Baker, sister Donna Beck, brother George Tucker, sister-in-law Sue (Macke) Shaw, and two brothers who died in infancy.

She is survived by Joe Macke, her husband of 25 years; and by her daughter Denise (Baker) Gaskins and husband David; and by son Damon Baker and wife Melissa, and by sister Nancy Jones, brother Lee Tucker, Jr., sister Alice Dilts, 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 4 nieces and a nephew. Also by Kenneth and Eleanor Macke, john and Patricia Macke, Lloyd Shaw, Steve and Beth Macke, David Lynn Macke, Alice and Joe Schroeder, David and Kim Macke, Julie and Steve Nash, Leigh and Eric Bender, Kara Macke, and several lifelong friends.

A public memorial service will be held at Marshall Trinity United Methodist Church in Marshall, IL, on February 21, with a short visitation at 10:30 a.m., service at 11:00, and a lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Samaritan's Purse or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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