Nancy J. Baker

Nancy Jane Williams Baker, 86, passed away Jan. 10, 2017. She was born Sept. 20, 1930, San Diego. Her father, George Henry Williams Sr., was born May 28, 1888. He was a captain in the U.S. Navy, and retired after 38 years of service. He was born and raised on a farm in Booneville, Ind. Her mother, Mary Jane Lewis was born June 21, 1894. She was born and raised in Flat Rock, Ky., the daughter of a coal miner from Wales. Nancy lived in San Diego until she was eight years old. Then her father was transferred to Washington, D.C., where they lived until 1940 when they were sent to the Philippine islands, where they lived in Cavite across the bay from Manila. She had her 10th birthday in the Philippines. When they knew the War was coming in early 1941, she, along with her mother, were sent home to the United States, and her father stayed there. They came to Los Angeles, where they settled in and her mother could find the best dancing teachers and drama coaches in Hollywood to help train Nancy for her future career. All through their travels, her mother found teachers for her to keep her training going. All through the War, she danced for troops for the USO and gained lots of experience. She also danced professionally from age 14 in theatrical and vaudeville shows. After graduation in 1948, Nancy auditioned for a job in Las Vegas, and got it with no problem. She had a contract for two weeks and then would probably come home. Well, her contract never ran out and she remained in Las Vegas. Nancy arrived in Las Vegas Dec. 18, 1948 to dance at the El Rancho hotel. As years went on, she also danced at the Thunderbird, the Flamingo and the Last Frontier. She then opened a dancing school on Main St. in 1951 and also made costumes for the recitals she gave. Her mother had taught her to sew, as she was a fabulous seamstress and made costumes for her and all her dance friends. Dancing at the Flamingo, Nancy met a dealer named Newton Baker who of course changed her life. They later married and spent many happy years together. They never had children, but he brought along two wonderful stepsons, who are the absolute best. They and their families were the bright spot in her life. The dancing school gave way to the costume business which she operated and enjoyed every day. Nancy never tired of creating unique costumes and seeing her talented and longtime customers. Nancy was known as a Las Vegas legend.