Loreta “Pat” Fae (Baker) Dennis

Loreta “Pat” Fae (Baker) Dennis, daughter of Raymond and Cremora (Freeman) Baker, was born Feb. 23, 1935, in Mansfield, and departed this life on April 28, 2026, at her home in Mansfield at the age of 91 years, 2 months and 5 days. Pat grew up on her family’s farm in Mansfield and was a proud graduate of Mansfield High School. Shortly after graduation, she was united in marriage to Joe “Wally” Dennis, a union that was blessed with two sons. The couple’s early years together took them to Kansas City and later to Anaheim, Calif., where they both worked for Wilson Sporting Goods. However, determined to raise their children in Missouri, they returned to Springfield in 1962. By 1963, they were called back to their roots in Mansfield, where they settled down to raise their family. Upon returning to Mansfield, Pat worked briefly for the Tobin-Hamilton Shoe Company. Once her sons started school, she transitioned to the Mansfield School District to stay close to them. She served as a cook and eventually became the Head Cook, a position she held for 32 years, even after her boys had graduated. Pat’s commitment to her community took on a new form after Wally’s passing in 1989. She was appointed to fill his vacant seat on the Mansfield City Council. Discovering a deep love for local service, she ran for the seat herself and was elected to serve six terms. Together, Pat and Wally faithfully served the City of Mansfield for over 25 years. Pat was saved at a young age and began her faith journey at Mansfield Presbyterian Church. While she attended several local churches throughout her life, she returned to her home at Mansfield Presbyterian in her final years. An athlete at heart, Pat was known for her competitive nature. She traveled the country with her bowling league, collecting over 100 trophies throughout her life. That same spirited energy was often felt at home during family games of dominoes or cards. Her home was an open oasis for family and friends. She loved to travel and was her sons' biggest fan, never missing an opportunity to watch them play ball as they grew up. Above all else, Pat’s family was the center of everything she did, and her legacy of service and love will be dearly missed by all who knew her. It was only after turning 50 that she began going on mission trips with her church. She ended up going on eight different trips to five different countries, with her primary goal of helping feed children.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Joe “Wally” Dennis; her parents, Raymond and Cremora Baker; brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Baker; brother-in-law, Roy “Kay” Dennis; and sister-in-law, Jean Honeycutt. She is survived by two sons, Jeff Dennis and wife, Holly, of Ohio, and Stan Dennis and wife, Mandy, of Texas; sister-in-law, Patsy Dennis; five grandchildren, Jordan, Christian, Brittany, Brady and Anna; two great-grandchildren, Ellie and Eli; and a host of other relatives and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. Pat was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Although her time here on earth has come to an end, the many memories made together will live on in our hearts forever. A visitation was held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield with burial to follow at Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Pat's memory to the Mansfield Historical Society.