Dena Baker

Dena (Everdine) VandeSteeg Baker, age 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, January 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Baker; son, Timothy Baker; brother, Gerritt Vandesteeg (Eileen). She is survived by her children John (Kathy) Baker, Deb (Doug) Stapley, and Elizabeth (Praymoun) Srisomsak; grandchildren Meagan Wiersma, Brad Baker, Aj Vermeulen, Lyric (O’Dean) White, Dan (Kerri) Stapley, Rachael (Zach) Brink, Serena Baker, and Morgan Pridgeon; siblings Al (Cindy) VandeSteeg and Ren (Carol) VandeSteeg; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dena emigrated with her family from the Netherlands as a young girl of ten years. She grew up on a farm in southern California and met her husband while working in a state mental hospital. Eventually they moved to Michigan where they raised their family.

Dena raised her four children while working as a registered nurse and serving as a very involved pastor’s wife. After raising her kids, she became an avid flower grower and gardener. She wrote several books that were published and spent as much time with her grandchildren as possible. Along with her husband, she volunteered with the Red Cross and World Renew for many years.

Dena lived her life in gratitude to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for her sins. She took every opportunity to share her stories and her faith. She participated in and led BSF and many other Bible studies. She continued to share her faith for as long as she could. We are so thankful to have the security of knowing she is in Heaven and her struggle with dementia is finally over.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 2-2:45 p.m. prior to service. In honor of Dena and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alpha Ministries. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.