We celebrate the life of our beloved mother, Gloria Ann Baiden. Gloria
was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on December 29, 1928 to Eleanore and
Joseph Plasket and died in St. Petersburg, Florida on January 4, 2024.
Gloria graduated from South Side High School and attended DePauw
University where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Gloria
and Bruce Baiden were married after meeting at DePauw and they lived in
Fort Wayne for many years, where they raised their three daughters. As a
family, the Baidens were avid sailors and long-time members of the Wawasee
Yacht Club. Gloria and Bruce had many friends in Fort Wayne and Gloria was
active in various civic organizations. She enjoyed playing Bridge, reading
good mysteries, she was an excellent seamstress, knitter and, most of all,
devoted to her family. Gloria and Bruce's business interests took them to St. Petersburg,
Florida and they worked together every day until their retirement. They
particularly enjoyed visits from their children and grandchildren. Although
forever fans of Indiana University basketball, Gloria and Bruce also became
die-hard Tampa Bay Rays fans.
Gloria is survived by her daughters, Kathy Jo Clark (Gary) of Bradenton,
Florida; Laurie Baiden Bumb (Gary) of Evansville, Indiana; and Julie Ann
VanDerPlaats (Andy) of North Fort Myers, Florida, as well as grandchildren
Scott Clark (Amanda), Andrew Clark, Andrea VanDerPlaats and Samantha
Bumb Jarboe (Brandon). She is also survived by many great-grandchildren.
Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce E. Baiden;
her parents, Eleanore and Joseph Plasket; her grandaughter, Stephanie Leigh
Bumb; and her sisters, Nancy Lukemeyer and Sue Henninger.
Gloria lived a good and happy life committed to those she loved and
who loved her. We will honor her memory and hold her in our hearts
forever. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at Covington Memorial Gardens.