Published: May 16, 2008 03:08 pm            

A life remembered

By Matt Smith

msmith@trcle.com



RIO VISTA — A town pulled together Wednesday night as residents gathered to remember and celebrate the life of a 15-year-old girl killed in a Sunday traffic accident. Rio Vista High School freshman Katelan Baker died when a train struck her SUV.

City- and high-school sponsored events saw hundreds come together to mourn the loss of one of their own. Tears and sorrow flowed, as did laughter and recollections of Baker’s short life.

A banner reading, “We Love You,” signed by RVHS students and teachers hung in the Rio Vista Civic Center, as did numerous pictures of Baker and memorabilia of Rio Vista and the University of Texas — Baker’s two favorite schools and teams. Friends, teachers and ministers addressed the standing-room-only crowd.

“The family wants this to be a celebration of Katelan’s life, not a sad and gloomy event,” said Neil Trichell, Baker’s youth minister. “Katelan is one of God’s angels now, and she is blessed. Let us never forget the love and soul of God’s angel, Katelan Baker.”

Family members, Trichell said, encouraged attendees to wear Rio Vista or Texas Longhorns shirts to her funeral because Baker loved both schools.

Trichell and other speakers noted that Baker made a decision to be baptized earlier this year.

“Before Katelan accepted Christ, she made sure her younger brothers also accepted him,” Trichell said. “That’s the kind of person she was.”

Baker accomplished much in her short life, said Greg Henneman, pastor of Rio Vista United Methodist Church.

“Sometimes we wonder if life is significant,” Henneman said. “But I look through this room and realize how many lives were touched by this one wonderful girl. Never forget her, and let your experiences with her change your life.”

Other speakers recalled Baker’s love of athletics and sense of fun.

“When I think about her, I think of that wonderful smile she had everyday,” said Greg Martin, one of Baker’s friends. “I just want to leave you all with that, her wonderful smile.”

Many at the civic center traveled up the road to RVHS to participate in a candle-light vigil in Baker’s honor. Family friend Dianna Morris read a poem touching upon the high points of Bakers life, such as the first day of school, birthdays and sleep overs, sports, making the bell by the seat of her pants, and life-long friendships.

“I know when Katelan got to heaven, and God gave her her wings, she asked ‘Do these come in Texas orange?’” Morris said. “So long, beautiful Katelan, until we meet again.”

The heavy turnout showed that Baker was deserving of residents deepest love, said Andra Sparks, RVHS principal.

“Katelan had a beautiful smile and a light in her eyes,” Sparks said. “She loved Rio Vista, and she loved you.”

Many took the opportunity to hug and comfort Baker’s parents, Bailey and Cassie Baker, and her brothers, Barrett and Jonnathan Baker.

“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” said Bailey Baker. “But I’m amazed at the town turnout. Katelan touched a lot of people, and I want to thank each and everyone here and pray for them all.”

Wiping tears away, Cassie Baker laughed momentarily and spoke of Baker’s bedroom completely filled with Rio Vista and UT decorations.

“It makes me so proud to be here because everyone loved Katelan, and this just proves it,” Cassie Baker said. “I’m so happy for the way the town has stepped up for her and our family, and I love you all.”

Baker’s funeral takes place at 2 p.m. today at Friendship Baptist Church. She will be buried at Rio Vista Cemetery.

        

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