Marie I. Baker was escorted to heaven on August 9, 2019. How do we sum up a beautiful, well-lived life in a few paragraphs? Marie was a pure, beautiful soul who cared about others more than herself. Her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids were her life.
She was born on September 21, 1921 in Butte, Montana, the second child of Harry and Josephine Symons. After graduating from Butte High School, she worked as a secretary for Coca Cola, and later received her Nursing Assistant Certification. She met the love of her life, Bill Baker, while roller skating. Marie and Bill owned and operated Yakima Dental Lab where she was the bookkeeper. Bill and Marie shared life for 54 years until Bill’s passing in 2002. To that union, three children were born. It was her delight to serve her family. She loved nothing more than to cook and bake for her loved ones. Marie was a member of TOPS International for many years and found lifelong friends. After Bill’s passing, Marie moved to Living Care Retirement Community where she was well loved. She loved the activities, especially Bingo and chapel services. Marie was way ahead of her time with her computer skills. In her 90s, she created beautiful greeting cards, kept in touch with family through e-mail, shopped online, and even sent out Facebook friend requests!
Marie will be greatly missed by son Ralph (Linda), son Jeff (Patti) and daughter JoAnn Johnston (Jeff), four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Those who preceded her were her husband Bill, her parents, her brother Harry Symons, and beloved grandson, Keith.
“Mom, you loved Jesus with all your heart, although you found it hard to believe He loved you. Now, you know the truth. He always has, and now for eternity, you will be basking in His amazing love, totally whole, totally free, totally you. Forever in my heart and until we meet again.” –Love, JoAnn.
Our sweet Marie will be honored at a private graveside at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. A viewing will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Keith and Keith Funeral Home at 902 W. Yakima Avenue. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Living Care Retirement Community (Meyer Auditorium).
We are so very grateful for the love and care shown to our beloved Marie by all of the wonderful staff at Living Care. A memorial gift in memory of Marie may be made to Living Care Retirement Community. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.
