Date of Birth
July 3, 1997
Date of Death
April 20, 2025
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
Who She Was
Her Story
Erica Baker of Okawville, IL departed this life after complications following childbirth at Barnes/Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 5:30 A.M. She had attained the age of 27 years, 9 months, and 17 days.
Erica was born in Murphysboro, IL on July 3, 1997, the daughter of Eric and Dawn (nee Korando) Rulevish. She was united in marriage to Caleb Baker in DeSoto, IL on October 16, 2021, and he survives her passing.
Erica was a 2015 graduate of Okawville High School, and she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Lindenwood University in Belleville, IL. She was raised in the Catholic faith and while attending high school, taught PSR classes at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Okawville. Erica was active in the community, volunteering to help whenever and wherever she could. She was currently serving on the board of the Heritage House Museum Association. Erica enjoyed watching movies and was a talented writer, as well as being blessed with a beautiful singing voice. Following the birth of her first child, Erica chose to leave her job and focus on her family. She cherished every moment with Oliver and looked forward to him becoming a big brother. Her little family was her world.
Left to mourn her passing is her husband, Caleb Baker of Okawville; son, Oliver and newborn son, Theodore; her parents, Eric and Dawn Rulevish of Addieville, IL; a brother Nicholas Rulevish also of Addieville; maternal grandparents, Daniel and Eula Korando of Ava, IL; special aunt, Florence Kozuszek and husband Harry of Nashville, IL; mother-in-law, Stacy Baker and special friend Joe Maddaleno of Okawville; father-in-law, Bruce Baker and wife Dawn of Marissa, IL; two sisters-in-law, Breanna Colstock and husband Adam of Okawville and Caitlyn Grayling and husband Dakota of Trenton, IL; godfather, Ron Korando and wife Shannon of DeSoto, IL; godmother, Sheila Chaney and husband Mark of Tamaroa, IL; two special friends, Alison Bauza and Emily Etter; aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Roger and Rita Rulevish of Tamaroa.