Patricia "Pat" Kruse Skulley Baker

WEAVERVILLE- Patricia Kruse Skulley Baker, known affectionately as Pat, age 80, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2024, at her home in the Reems Creek community of Weaverville with her loving husband by her side. She was a loving, caring, and kind person who was born November 26, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. Pat's remarkable life will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Throughout her career, Pat made significant contributions in various roles. She served as an Administrator for Computer Science Corporation (CSC) in Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC. Additionally, she worked as an Event Coordinator for the United Service Organization (USO) and then worked for Association of Retired Persons (AARP), where she worked with the Board of Directors in Washington, DC Headquarters until her retirement from AARP and her move from Oakton, VA (just West of the DC Beltway) to Weaverville, NC in 2008. Her dedication and expertise left a lasting impact on those around her.

Pat had an undeniable sense of humor that brought joy to those in her presence. Her generosity, social nature, and caring demeanor endeared her to countless individuals. Pat's loyalty and super intelligence were evident to all who knew her.  She was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church.

Outside of work, Pat found joy in various interests. She was a dedicated shopper, known by many as the "Magnum Shopper." Pat had a deep love for travel and took pleasure in planning trips to over 20 countries, plus a considerable number of states and vacation destinations in the U.S. 

In Pat's passing, she is reunited with her father, Casimir "Case" Kruse and mother, Stephanie Kochman Kruse; brother, Richard Kruse; son, Jerry Skulley, Jr. who died in a car accident at the age of 21; former husband and father of her children, Gerald D. Skulley; mother-in-law, Jackie V. Baker and great granddaughter, Graysen Gates.
 
She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Ron B. Baker; two children from her first marriage to Jerry, daughter, Donna “Tracy” S. Endsley of Kentucky; son, Shawn Skulley of Weaverville; step-daughter, Karen Baker Callis (Keith) of Virginia Beach; sister, Nancy Puppilo of Plainfield, IL; brother, Tim Kruse (Lutye Haggarty) of Alexander, NC; grandchildren, Casie Skulley (Jordan Strong), Christina Felice (Steven), and Nicolas Callis; great-grandchildren, Casen, McKinley, Kash, Aubrey, Zane, Kristin, and Tytus; as well as sister-in-law, Lisa (who was married to Richard).

Pat’s funeral service will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern Street, Asheville NC 28804. Father Patrick Cahill will officiate. The burial will follow at 12:00 noon at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US Highway 70, Black Mountain NC 28711. A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville NC 28787.

If you would like to make a donation to the Pat Baker Alzheimer’s Tribute Fund, you may do so here: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=885938&fr_id=1060&pg=fund

West Funeral Home is honored to be serving Pat’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.

Pat's legacy of love and compassion will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace knowing she was cherished by many.