Mildred was my dear, wonderful aunt. We spent many hours at her house in Upland. My best to all her family who loved her very much.

On November 1st, two angels were born, same day, same month, different year, that would be Mildred and my own Mother.  I’ve never known two individuals who never knew each other yet were so much alike, always greeting you with a smile and asking if you wanted a piece of Angle Food Cake, although in my Mom’s case it was mostly spaghetti.  Two people who no matter what someone did or said, always would find something positive to say about the person of topic, never taking the easy way out and joining in on the criticism. 
 Mildred was the closest thing I had to my own Mother as their actions mirrored each other, and when I married Susie on that happy day back in June of 1985 and she became my wife, Mildred also became my Mom, and I believe somehow, my own Mom had something to do with it.   Now these two have been formally introduced and can watch over us from above together in the same loving way that they always have.
Rest in peace Mom,
Your loving son-in-law.

Grandma was such a loving person she meant so much to the family. One of the many things I remember about her is how she would let me play with all of the baby dolls. Another thing I remember is picking flowers with Jessi :) and putting them in jars of water on the table. One of my favorite get-togethers was The Princess Party (Grandmas 80th birthday) we all got to wear tiaras and feel like princesses for a day! Grandma loved being fancy. I love and miss you so much Grandma!
Love Always,
Kailey

My Great Grandma was the best person. She was always so happy to see all of her Grandkids and Great Grandkids. I remember always picking flowers at the Ranch and Grandma never getting mad when more cousins came in with more. She will be missed we all loved her very much. I love you Great Grandma Baker.
                         Always love,
                                            Jessi

A Native American Proverb from White Elk reads, “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.  Live your life in a manner so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”  
There is no question in anyone’s minds here that grandma lived her life in this fashion.  We are all here, and we are crying.  
Although grandma’s physical presence will no longer be with us, there are so many teachings, traits and indelible memories that will remain with all of us for a lifetime.   As for me and spending most of my childhood summers at the ranch, I was able to acquire some of grandma’s traits.

Grandma had a strong will and a determination that could not be broken.  We all know this is just a better way of saying “stubborn.”  What grandma wanted, grandma got.  But who could say no to a sweet lady with the beautiful blue eyes?  We have all seen it: Grandma with her walker trimming her roses, grandma riddled with pain planting seeds in her garden, and other countless tails of grandma doing what typical “old ladies” should not be doing.  A few months ago, a few of us took grandma to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.  At the end of the library is Reagan’s Air Force One.  The aisle inside the aircraft is not wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, but grandma was bound and determined to see the inside of Ronnie’s jet!  And she did, if there wasn’t any doubt.  When grandma’s health started to decline, she was determined to go back to doing what she was doing and not have anyone dote on her.  She would be so proud of her physical exercises she would do and anytime she was able to get up and walk around, it was the greatest news of the day.  As grandma’s days with us dwindled, she changed her focus.  Second Timothy chapter 4 reads, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”  Grandma knew this and left this world on her own terms with Jesus in her heart.  I know I inherited grandma’s determination and stubbornness.  
I know I inherited my love of cooking from grandma, too.  But like grandma, it wasn’t always about the cooking itself; it was the joy of cooking for others.  I always joke with people that we, as Bakers, have to earn our last name and Grandma Baker was the judge.  But I learned, like everyone else, at grandma’s side.  She was always willing to make cookies or a cake whenever she could (unless it was just too hot in the kitchen) and if it was your birthday, you could count on an angel food cake made special just for you.  And let’s not forget all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!  I was always dumbfounded as a kid at how a small kitchen could produce that much food!  But grandma could do it, she could do anything!  She was your quintessential, all American stereotypical grandma, always ready with a jar of cookies, a dish of candy and a hug that could cure anything.  
One of grandma’s traits I wish I inherited was her social skills.  Grandma was the original social network.  She loved her letters, loved her cards and loved her phone calls.  Grandma was a social butterfly and would speak to anyone that would listen.  One of the days I was sitting with grandma just a few weeks ago, a nurse came in and asked who I was.  Grandma snapped back before I could answer, “That’s my grandson.”  The nurse asked, how many do you have?  Without a hesitation, she answered back with a bright smile, “I have 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 10 great grand children” then began to tell her the life stories on each.  I was always amazed at how she could remember everyone’s names, their whereabouts and their business YEARS later…but she always knew.  Grandma was the Google of our family…if grandma didn’t know, then it probably didn’t happen.  
In the few short years my son has been alive; he has OBVIOUSLY been able to inherit this trait from his great grandma…lucky brat.  Who else is lucky enough to have inherited grandma’s gift of gab?
There is just too much more to list and I just don’t have enough time.  But as we leave here and mourn, console each other and remember the life of grandma, we will think of more.  We will take notice in the way we do things and remember we were taught that from grandma.  As long as we continue and pass on these traits and thoughts, grandma will never truly be gone.

A Buddhist Proverb reads, “Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, which is why today is called the present.  What the caterpillar perceives as the end; to the butterfly is just the beginning.  Everything that has a beginning has an ending.  Make your peace with that and all will be well.”

Grandpa Baker built houses.  Grandma Baker turned the houses into homes.  Together they are the perfect pair.  Now they can be together again……forever……the way god intended.

Mildred, your memory will live on through the wonderful family whom you so lovingly nurtured.  Each person who you invited into your home felt welcomed.  When our families met, as neighbors in Apple Valley, it was the beginning of many happy memories.  Your kind and warmhearted manner was always felt by those in your presence. Our sincere condolences to all of the Baker family for your loss.  May the Lord's loving spirit help you through this difficult time.

Even though you are my grandmother through marriage you always treated me like you did all of your grandkids. Even more special was the bond between you and Collin! I'm glad for the times and memories! Thank you Grandma Baker

From all of us at Highland House of Flowers, please accept our sincere condolences to the family for the loss of their loved one. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace in your hearts during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Mildred Louise Baker

November 1, 1924 – September 27, 2011

Stone Funeral Home

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