Wilda Fern Baker

New Franklin- On Monday, July 20, 2015, Wilda Fern (Landers) Baker, age 88, passed away peacefully in the presence of her son, Martin and his girlfriend, Becky, after a lengthy illness. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Fern will be deeply missed by all.

Fern was born to Dewey V. and Mae Jewel (Wilson) Landers of Spruce Pine, Alabama. She graduated from Timken Vocational School class of 1945. Upon graduation, Fern opened her own beauty shop in downtown Canton, Ohio. She later became a modeling coach and self-improvement coach for Jane Skinner Modeling Agency, a personal development coach and modeling instructor for John Robert Powers Agency, an assistant director for Bon Chic as well as a beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Fern was also known for her green thumb and beautiful flower gardens. She enjoyed extensive travel, bingo and spending time with her family.

Fern is survived by her sons, William Sherman Baker Jr. (Judy Wade) of Phoenix, Arizona and Martin A. Baker (girlfriend, Becky Race) of New Franklin, Ohio; several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Fern is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Sherman Baker; brother, Dewey V. Landers Jr. (Mary Alice); and sister, Rita Mae Tripathy (Dr. Ghana Shyam “Sam”).

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to the wonderful administration, staff and residents at Rose Lane Nursing Home and Sprenger Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion for Fern and her family.

Friends and family can call from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2015 at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. The funeral service will be be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at the funeral home with Minister Randy Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens.