Vernell Simpson Baecker

Vernell (Simpson) Baecker, age 91, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully from this life on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Westover Retirement Community. Known to those who love her as “Nellie”, she was born in Jackson County, Kentucky on March 1, 1925. She is the daughter of Herman and Eunice (Ward) Simpson. Vernell attended school in both Monroe and Hamilton, graduating with the Hamilton High School Class of 1943. She married the love of her life, Robert M. Baecker, at the Calvary Church of Hamilton on June 27, 1946. They enjoyed six blessed years of marriage and celebrated the birth of two sons before Bob’s sudden death due to bulbar polio in 1952. Although their married life was short, Vernell remained devoted and steadfast in raising their two boys in such a way as to honor their father’s hopes and dreams. Her life was a life of service, not only to her family but to her community and church. In addition to working for Champion Paper, The Avenue Pharmacy in Lindenwald, and finally retiring from Butler County Care Facility, Vernell was one of the original directors of Butler County Head Start, founding member of Immanuel Baptist Church, child care provider at the YMCA, Sunday school teacher, mother and grandmother to many! Mrs. Baecker is survived by her two sons: Dana (Carol) Baecker of Cincinnati and John (Sarah) Baecker of Hamilton. She has five cherished grandchildren: Ross Baecker, Lauren (Chris) Simpson and Kurt (Anna) Baecker; Amy (Wiley) Burch and Jessica (Jeremy) Jones; and 10 great-grandchildren: Tyler Baecker, Ciera Simpson, Emma Baecker, Corbin Simpson, Maddox Jones, Colton Simpson, Owen Baecker, Cash Jones, Luke Baecker, and Reid Burch. She is also survived by brothers Vernon Simpson, Wayne Simpson; sister June (Dick) Winkler; aunt Gladys Shackleford; sister-in-law Margaret Baecker; devoted daughter-in-law Dayle (Jim) Farmer and many nieces and nephews she loved as her own. Vernell was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert M. Baecker; parents Herman and Eunice; mother and father-in-law Mildred and Albert; brothers Kent and Harold; sister Violet; sisters-in-law Patricia and Linda; and brothers-in-law, John, Jack and Don. “Nellie” will be remembered by those that love her for her strength, bravery and care for others; her love for fishing in the U.P., the Cincinnati Reds, Scrabble, music, laughter and all around love for life. The family would like to thank the staff at Westover Retirement Community and VITAS Healthcare for their faithful care and compassion for our “Nellie.” Visitation will be Monday, June 6, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home, 980 NW Washington Blvd, Hamilton. Funeral Services will directly follow with Rev. Mike Botts officiating and burial in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Mrs. Vernell S. Baecker, to Immanuel Baptist Church, 1770 Eaton Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45013; or to Westover Retirement Community, 855 Stahlheber Rd, Hamilton, Ohio 45013.

Tributes

Vernell Simpson Baecker

March 1, 1925 - June 1, 2016