Cleo Baker was born August 25, 1918 in Lynch, Nebraska. She was married September 5, 1935 to her soul mate, Marshall Binkerd, also of Lynch. She taught school in a one-room school house for a year before having her first child, Dennis. In 1937, Marshall's work as a baker took the family to South Dakota. While there they watched as Mt. Rushmore slowly took shape.
In 1941, they moved to Oregon and made Hillsboro their home for over 70 years. They had two more children, Larry and Marsha. They became active in the Hillsboro Methodist Church, Hillsboro schools, athletics and scouts as den leaders.
After their children were raised, she retired from Tektronix and she and Marshall discover the U.S.A. in their motor home as they visited 48 states. They also spent time in Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe and even cruised the Panama Canal. The last 20 years Cleo enjoyed creating all kinds of crafts, knitting hats for children, and pursuing her love of oil painting.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Marshall, and great-grandchild, Casey Binkerd. She is survived by her 3 children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren, their spouses, 28 great-grandchildren and 1 niece, JoAnn Bjornsen.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be sent to the Hillsboro High School Honorary Spartan fund. Mom was the 1st Honorary Spartan in 1960.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 18865 SW Johnson St., Aloha. OR 97006, Saturday, September 24, 2011.