Obituary for June Baden

June Marie (Bender) Baden, 94, of Westerville, Ohio passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024. June was born to Louis and Ada Bender on June 30, 1929 in Waterloo, Iowa. She was raised in Davenport and deeply loved growing up along the Mississippi River. After high school, June attended and graduated from Augustana College with a double major in music and religion. Her love of music led her to become a church organist for many years, and most of those years were spent playing for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio. In addition to playing organ and piano, she gave piano lessons for many years. June was a part of the Westerville Women's Music Club, and she also composed several hymns. Writing fiction was also something she deeply enjoyed, and June wrote a novel, as well as many articles and inspirational poems.

Working as a parish worker in Wisconsin was a season of her life which brought her great joy. Her dear friend and fellow parish worker, Renetta, introduced June to her brother, Harlin, and the two were married the following year. June left parish work to marry this “practically perfect” man and afterwards became the mother to seven children. June always promoted education and encouraged her children to “never stop learning.” She exemplified sacrifice, diligence and faithfulness in all she did for God and for her family.

June is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harlin, her brother Edward, her brother-in-law Duane and her son Paul. June is survived by her children Janet Baden, Mark (Tammi) Baden, Steve (Kelly) Baden, James (Robyn) Baden, Philip Baden and Linda (Kevin) Chivington. In addition, she is survived by grandchildren Michael (Julie) Krueger, Katherine (Anthony) Hanson, John (Nicole) Baden, Zelalem, Kiber and Anna Baden, Adam (Amanda) Baden, Caroline (Nick) Myers, Wasihun and Kristian Baden, Jonah (Kyrie) Baden, Olivia and William Baden, Lauren, Alyssa, Max, Emma, Luke and Ellie Chivington. June was also blessed with six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nephews and nieces, and her beloved sister, Janice Enders, of Illinois.

Calling hours are scheduled at the Hill Funeral Home in Westerville, Ohio on January 28th from 2-4 pm. The funeral will be on January 29th at 11:00 am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio. Internment will follow at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

June was a generous and devoted Christian, and those who wish to honor her legacy in lieu of flowers are encouraged to make a donation to The Filling House, which helps care for adults with developmental disabilities (https://www.mygiving.net/donate/Filling-Home), or to Willow Brook Christian Home, who provided her with Christ-centered long term care (Giving | Willow Brook Christian Communities (willow-brook.org).

 

Do not build a strong abode,

A tent, my friend, will do.

For we are pilgrims on our way,

So keep the end in view.

June Marie Baden