Gussie Peeples Baker

Born on January 2, 1936, to Vasco and Lois Peeples, above the family IGA store on Marion Avenue, Gussie was instilled with a love for local history and a strong commitment to community service. As a child, she forged enduring friendships while delivering ice and groceries to the fishing docks, strolling through the streets of Punta Gorda with her cherished childhood companions who became lifelong friends known as the "Punta Gorda Seven."

Gussie attended school in Punta Gorda, culminating in her graduation from Charlotte High School in 1954, where she served as the head majorette and excelled on the basketball court. She briefly attended Florida State University before returning to marry her high school sweetheart, Dale Russell Baker, on June 10, 1956. Together, they built a beautiful family of three children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Gussie's impact on Charlotte County, particularly Punta Gorda, was immeasurable. A force of nature, she was renowned for her community involvement and passionate advocacy for preserving Punta Gorda's rich history. She played a pivotal role working with Hugh Adams (Superintendent) and a community-based team for the integration of Charlotte County Public Schools, standing at the entrance of Charlotte High School as the first five students entered its doors. Gussie's dedication extended to the Charlotte High Tarpon Hall of Fame, where she served as president and was selected as Tarpon of the Year in 2005.

Following Hurricane Charley's devastation in 2004, Gussie played a crucial role in preserving the historic three-story building of Charlotte High School. Her commitment was so steadfast that some of her children humorously feared she might stand at the main entrance to prevent its demolition if bulldozers were seen on campus.

Her Punta Gorda community service, however, extended far beyond her work with Charlotte High School. Gussie chaired the Punta Gorda Centennial celebration, paving the way for an annual Punta Gorda Block Party. She co-founded the Old Timers Luncheon, a charitable initiative that raised funds for various organizations and causes. Her philanthropic endeavors also extended to For the Love of Kids, the Punta Gorda Police Pension Board (23 years), Punta Gorda History Park, and the Punta Gorda History Center, where she served as a dedicated board member.

Known affectionately as the "quilt lady," Gussie also contributed her talents to numerous organizational fundraisers, creating beautiful quilts and baskets. She was a living repository of Punta Gorda’s history, readily providing information, photos, and stories to Punta Gorda leaders, as well as a history lesson to anyone who misspoke about the town’s history.

Gussie's most cherished legacy is the love she bestowed upon her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always welcoming and never uttering a refusal, her grandchildren and great grandchildren loved spending time with her. She created lasting memories by taking her grandchildren on adventures, from Englewood Beach to sports camps to FSU football games.

Gussie was preceded in death by her parents, Vasco and Lois Peeples, and siblings Carmen (Dutch) Holub, Vernon (Edna Jane) Peeples, and Lois Peeples.

Treasuring her memory are her devoted husband of over 67 years, Dale Russell Baker, her three children, Russell (Tina) Baker of Moscow, Idaho; Debra (Benji) Dees of Punta Gorda; and Stephen (Kate) Baker of Fort Myers, Florida; her eight grandchildren, Rusty (Jayme) Baker, Lacy Dees, Ryan Baker, Amy (Steve) Miller, Bryan (Ashley) Dees, Alaina (Dave) Jacobs, Kyle Baker, Sydney Baker, and ten great grandchildren, Cohen Miller, Allison Jacobs, JD Baker, Andrew Jacobs, Jase Baker, Greyson Dees, Riley Miller, Taryn Baker, Bennett Dees, and Carter Dees.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM with a visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at New Life in Christ Church, 507 W. Marion Avenue, with burial following at Indian Springs Cemetery. In honor of Gussie's love for Charlotte High School, Florida State University, and the Punta Gorda Block Party, attendees are welcome to wear attire representing these institutions and their interactions with Gussie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Punta Gorda History Center.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories can be shared on the Baker family's memorial page at www.kayspongerpg.com.