Shirley Barth Baker

Shirley B Baker passed away peacefully to be with Jesus on April 28, 2020 after complications from a mild stroke on April 18. She is survived by her loving son Todd A. Baker, sister Nita Newell, Grandsons Chris Baker ( Marci), Donnie Baker (Deanna), & Aaron Baker. Granddaughters Tara Wellbank & Sara Baker, Great granddaughters Rebecca Baker & Caitlyn Baker, Great Grandsons Charleston Baker & Daniel Baker (Daughter in law Zada Rogerson, mother to Chris & Donnie), nieces/nephews Cyndy Bebe (Jeff), Laura Worth (Scott), Jane LeBlanc (Tim), Joe Newell (Nancy), Tim Watson (Sharon), Graham Watson(Terry), Joan Watson, Marcia Curfman ( Kenny), Susie Stone (Ray). Shirley was preceeded in death by her husband E. Perry Baker, 2 sons Richard and Bruce Baker and her sister Eileen Watson.

Shirley was born in Pennsylvania & moved to Florida when she was 16. She graduated from Sebring high school & went to nursing school in West Palm Beach. She met her soon to be husband Perry Baker & married in 1949 & they had their rehearsal dinner at the Okeechobee Drive-In restaurant ( now Okeechobee Steak House). It was the only restaurant big enough for the rehearsal party!! After a 25 + year career in nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in the emergency room & private duty in Palm Beach (several months for Rose Kennedy), she assisted Perry with the running of his business, Palm Beach Ambulance Service. In 1982, they purchased a very young business, Love’s Flower Shop which is still downtown today. Shirley enjoyed ice skating, her family, dogs & cats, flowers, sweets, lots of family camping trips & bass fishing in Lake Istokpoga near Sebring, Fl. A small private family & friends outdoor graveside ceremony will take place at 1:00PM on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in WPB. There is a celebration of life ceremony to take place later this summer & Todd Baker will keep you posted.