Karen Ivon Baker

Karen Ivon Baker was born March 18, 1942, in Red Bluff CA to Ed and Lucille Folks. She spent the first years of childhood in the small town of Fall River Mills, CA. Most of her adolescence was spent in Sacramento, graduating from Sacramento High School and attending Chico State University. She married James Baker on June 20th, 1964. They resided in Yuba City, CA and started their family.

Karen is survived by her husband of 61 years, James Baker. Children: John (Jennifer), Kathy (Bruce). Grandchildren: Grace, Jacob (Isabelle), Jordan, Allie and Bailey. Sister Lynne (Ron). Nieces: Jill and Liz. Exchange student children: Iwan (Hera)-Indonesia, Maria (Costa Rica) and Taru (Kari) Finland.

Karen was an educator for over thirty years, including a classroom teacher and principal. After having children she went back to school to earn her Masters in Education. In 1977, Karen and Jim bought a shoe store in Carmel, CA and moved the family there. She continued to work in education until 1995. After retirement Karen and Jim took up kayaking and enjoyed exploring the outdoors. Karen volunteered for Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula and enjoyed time with dear friends.

Karen loved to be around people and was full of laughter and life. Karen was always the life of the party. In high school she was a cheerleader and involved in school leadership. She was a Camp Fire Girl leader for her daughter’s troop. Later in life, she converted to Catholicism and became involved with life at St. Francis Catholic Church.

Karen will be missed and we are comforted to know she is now reunited with her Mom and Dad whom she adored.