Dale Lavern Baker

Dale “Pappy” Baker, a proud member of “The Greatest Generation”, passed away on December 24, 2018 at the age of 94. Dale was born on a government-leased farm in Canton, South Dakota on March 19, 1924. He was the second oldest in a family of nine children. He was raised with many of his nine half brothers and sisters, a huge, boisterous, affectionate, hardworking family. The family moved to Denver, Colorado when Dale was eight because of his asthma.

Dale lost his father when he was 17. He then became a chief provider for the family. He was drafted into the US Army infantry in July 1943. He served three campaigns- North Apennines, Rome-Arno, and Po Valley. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was injured in a troop carrying truck in the Italian mountains on the evening of the last day of the war. He sustained a broken back after being ejected from the truck and wore a body cast from chin to hips for eight months. He was honorably discharged on December 10, 1945.

Dale met and was bewitched by his soon to be bride, Ruth Evangeline Loitz. Dale and Ruth were married on St. Patrick’s Day, 1946 in Denver. On January 21, 1947, they were blessed with identical twin daughters, Karen Marie and Sharon Ruth.

Dale was very capable with his hands, a quick learner, and because he was such a hard worker, he found jobs in many industries; A lumber mill, construction work at Ft. Carson and after moving to Southern California, he worked on turret lathe for shops with government contracts. Dad had an opportunity to go into custom combining in the Midwest with his older brother. They cut wheat, rye and barley with their three combines from the Canadian border to Texas for eight fun-filled years.

In 1958, Dale moved our family to the Rogue Valley. They purchased a small home, which Dale remodeled, on two acres in the Phoenix area. Dale worked at the Jackson County Road Department in Medford and White City. He retired as Shop Foreman after 28 years.

Dale was very athletic and competitive his entire life. He played Tennis, Volleyball, and pitched Slow-Pitch Softball for many years. He loved playing Golf in his later years and played until he was 90 years old and shot his age many times.

Dale was a teaser who never missed an opportunity to make us all laugh. He was very affectionate and loved to be around people. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him and there’s a hole in our hearts right now that will take time to heal. Dale lived a wonderful life and always said he wouldn’t change any of his life experiences, but nonetheless he was thankful to have survived WWII.

Dale’s bride, Ruth, passed away on September 5, 2017 after 71 and ½ joyful years together. After Ruth passed, Dale moved into Suncrest Place in Talent where Marissa and the rest of the Suncrest staff and residents welcomed Dale. He enjoyed the family atmosphere and was very content. During Dad’s final few days, Staci and the Providence Hospice team played an important role in helping us care for him during his transition. The family is very grateful for the kindness and care Dad received from these compassionate folks.

Dale is survived by his twin daughters, Karen VanSant (Jim), and Sharon Pierce (Bert); Granddaughters Lisa Greene (Aaron), Marcy Pierce and Bethany Pierce (Marc Ferolito); Grandson Matthew VanSant, great granddaughter Mackenna Greene and great grandsons, Dale and Sam VanSant.

Dale and Ruth will be laid to rest at the Eagle Point National Cemetery where their loving family will pay tribute to two beautiful souls.