Ripley Cannon Baker

Ripley Cannon Baker was born on September 21st, 2025, at 11:46 p.m. at Ball Memorial Hospital. Weighing 1 pound 9.5 ounces and measuring 11.75 inches long, Ripley arrived into this world far too soon but with a spirit larger than life itself. After 39 courageous days in the NICU, held close in the hearts of his family and the hands of his devoted caregivers, Ripley’s fight ended on October 30, 2025 at 8:23 a.m.

During his brief time on earth, Ripley showed extraordinary strength and an unshakable will to live. Every breath was a victory; every moment, a miracle. He was bright and curious, his eyes always searching the world around him. He knew his Mama and Daddy’s voices and often looked for them when they entered the room. Ripley had a smile that could still the world, and the softest expressions that spoke volumes without words. He loved being held, feeling the warmth of his parents’ love, getting visits from his big brothers and sisters, making his care team work extra hard on their shifts, and any opportunity to taste swabs of his Mama’s milk.

Ripley is deeply loved by his parents, Josh and Devan Baker; his big sisters Jaiden, Avery, Bentley; big brothers Landry and Callaway; grandparents Cheryl Baker, Teresa and Bill Phipps, great grandmother Wanda Brown; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever carry him in their hearts. He was welcomed in heaven by his grandfather Mike Baker and his great uncle Ronald Terry, who would have been like a grandfather to him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Family, friends and anyone that was privileged enough to be impacted by Ripley are welcome and encouraged to attend as we gather for this one precious opportunity to celebrate Ripley’s life and the love he brought to ours.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Ball Memorial Hospital NICU team, whose compassion, skill, and dedication gave Ripley 39 beautiful days filled with love, care, and connection.

Though his time was brief, Ripley taught us the purest meaning of strength and grace. His memory will live on in every sunrise, every soft breeze, and in the hearts of those who were waiting to meet him. His life was a whisper of heaven - delicate, brave, and full of love - reminding us that even the smallest souls can leave the greatest marks on the world.