Marcella H. Baker

Marcella H. Baker

Marcella Helen Baker, age 94, passed into the arms of the Lord on August 5, 2012 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Sumner, Iowa. A private Celebration of Life service will be held for the family.

Born on December 1, 1917, in Dubuque, Iowa, Marcella was the daughter of William and Josephine (Jaeger) Mai.

Marcella attended school in Dubuque and worked at the Mitten Factory. She married Raymond Richey and later married Laurel Keith Baker., where in Westgate, Iowa they shared farming for 50+ years and raised six children.

Marcella belonged to the Murphy United Methodist Church in Westgate and enjoyed being a member of Ladies Aid. She loved the annual Christmas Eve Program at Murphy Church each year.

In her simple ways she was extraordinary. Marcella began each day with the Bible and ended many days on the glider with her husband and daughter Linda. She devoted life to her family by praying for them, making beautiful quilts, preparing delicious trays of Christmas cookies and candy, and hosting many family get-togethers including an annual Baker Round-Up. She was dedicated to homemaking, cooking bountiful meals, homemade pies, which rightfully won First Prize at the Westgate Centennial. Marcella kept her mind young with crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and card games. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored “Gramma Baker” and she found great delight in holding the babies, playing Dominos with children, and listening to them sing.

Marcella will be remembered for her beautiful smile and steadfast faith. She will be dearly missed by her entire family!

Survivors include six children: Phyllis (Donald) Clay, Normal, IL.; Robert (Betty) Baker, Brooklyn Park, MN; Sandy (Charlie) Reed, Sumner, IA; Linda Baker, Sumner, IA; Mary (Mike) Hurd, Marshalltown, IA; Steve (MaryAnn) Baker, Westgate, IA; 13 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; a brother: Bob (Ann) Mai, Dubuque, IA,; and one sister: Gladys “Babe” Bahlman of Dubuque, IA. Marcella was preceded in death by her two husbands, parents, 3 sisters, and 1 brother.

The family wishes to thank Hillcrest Nursing Home and Hospice for their loving care of Marcella. Memorials may be made to: Palmer Heart of Iowa Hospice, 201 W First St., Sumner or Hillcrest Nursing Home, 915 W First St., Sumner, IA 50674.

Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner is assisting the family.

Gary & Janice Brownell on August 15, 2012 at 6:33 AM said:

To The Family: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy. It's not easy to lose a loved one, no matter what the age is. May your memories help ease the pain.

Elaine and Mike Gallagher on August 8, 2012 at 10:52 AM said:

Sending my heart felt sympathy to all of you.
I really enjoyed being around Marcella's at all the Baker events. She was always warm and loved to visit. The first thing I always noticed about her was her smile.
It was funny one day at one of the birthday gatherings she said to me, "my you have such white teeth". I think she enjoyed my smile as much as I did hers!
She was a great lady and will be missed!

Thinking of all of you,

Keith and Kay Lowe on August 7, 2012 at 2:07 PM said:

Hi Phyllis and each of the rest of your family members. We want to extend our sympathy to each of you. How fortunate to have our mothers around for such a long time. My Mom passed away at 95. When I was working I had the opportunity to also enjoy a couple ladies over 100. I thought what great wisdom they had to share and what a lot of changes they had seen in their lifetime. We pray God's special love, peace and joy as you gather to celebrate your mothers life.

Gary & Nancy Maurer on August 6, 2012 at 11:08 AM said:

May God be with you especially at this difficult time. We have lots of memories of your mother. Praying and thinking of you!

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