Rose B. Baker

Baker, Rose B. 97, a resident of Kettering, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at her home Sunday, November 15th 2015. Rose was born in Ely, Minnesota to Florian and Mary Belehar. She was a 1936 graduate of Memorial High School and in 1939 she graduated with a degree in Business and Accounting from Ely Junior College where she took part in plays. the glee club, and the synchronized swim team. She was one of two majorettes in the Minnesota State Champion Drum and Bugle Corps. This allowed her to travel around the country performing. She appeared in a Paramount News Reel marching down Chicago's Michigan Avenue and performing for the crowd at the opening of Soldier Field. Rose married William W. Baker in 1942. She was a military wife, moving often, but settling in Xenia, Ohio. She co-owned and operated The Thrifty Wise Shop, was a member of The Ladies Book Club, and was a long time member and past president of the Xenia Garden Club. She also belonged to the Dayton Women's Club and was part owner of Generations, an antique shop in Waynesville, Ohio. Rose led a Browne and Girl Scout Troop and was president of several PTAs. She was an avid bridge player, gardener, and artist, winning awards for her flower arrangements and oil paintings.

Rose will be remembered for her independence, humility, generosity, leadership, creativity, practicality, spot on advice, and her incredible kindness and compassion for others. She was adored by her family, and is survived by her children, Mary Lou Baker Holland, of Centerville, Ohio, and William W. Baker, of Hudsonville, Michigan, five grandchildren, Christina Holland McElfresh, Jennifer Holland, Malinda Baker Pagel, Teressa Baker Geurink, Joel Baker, and two great grandchildren Rylar Holland, and Lincoln Geurink.

The family will greet friends at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church on Saturday, November 21, 2015, from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Interment, David’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Wounded Warrior's Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or The Kettering Education Foundation, 3750 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, Ohio 45429. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.