Helen R. Baker, 89, of Memphis died Friday, June 6, 2014 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.
She was born the only child of Earl R. and Amy M. (Puntt) Cone on January 19, 1925 in Milton, Iowa.
Helen attended the Cone school and then went to the Memphis High School for 2 years.
Helen married Floyd A. Baker on March 3, 1945 in Queen City. They went to the picture show for their “honeymoon” before moving in with Grandpa and Grandma Baker. To this union, two sons were born. Floyd preceded her in death in 1983.
She first worked at the Dina Car as a waitress for 15 cents an hour and then at the H&M Diner for 25 cents an hour, where she dressed the chickens to make the chicken and noodle dinner.
In 1953, Helen and Floyd purchased McLaughlin Firestone, renamed Baker Firestone, which they owned until 1982. The Bakers also had a lime and dry fertilizer trucking business.
She loved her dogs, playing cards, gardening and sewing clothes for all her family. Helen was a member of the Memphis First Christian Church and Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial V.F.W. Post #4958 Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a grandson-in-law, Andrew Clapp, who was married to Jamie.
She was also preceded in death by a special friend, Howard Parrish.
She is survived by her sons, James Dale (Linda) Baker and Floyd Cone “Coney” Baker, both of Memphis; grandchildren, Missy (David) Smith of Memphis, Shelley (Bobby) Small of Memphis, Jamie (Josh) Thudium of Macon, James Floyd (Joanie) Baker of Memphis, Amy (Russ) Adams of Kirksville, Adam Baker of Downing, and Ashley (Cody) Berendzen of Arnold, MO; great grandchildren, Lucinda (Gary) Perrilles, Bruce (Kendra) Small, Bryce, Carlee, and Austin Smith, Josie, Jessa, and Jayli Thudium, Hugh and Layla Baker, Jacob Spray, Emma, Cash, and Aspen Adams, Tyler and Jayde Baker, Olivia and Nolan Berendzen; great great grandchildren, Abrul and Alexa Perrilles and Mason Small; many nephews, nieces, and cousins, including Phil (Helen) Cone of Memphis.
Gravesite memorial services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 15 at the Trinity Cemetery on the Baker Farm in rural Scotland County. A celebration of life service in honor of Helen will follow at Johnson Park. Larry Smith, pastor of the Downing Christian Church, will officiate.
Memorials are suggested to the Richland or Brock Cemeteries.
5 comments
Our deepest sympathies to the Baker Family.
Helen was a very kind and caring person. She
took special notice to say “Hello” to all she came in contact with, no matter how busy she was! She was a very hard worker in all the many jobs she had throughout her life. We will always remember, and miss her! Our thoughts and prayers are there with you!
Tom and Barbara
Our deepest sympathy Leon and Mary Lou Orton and Lee Roy and Tina Garrison.
We’ve known Helen many years, since she lived behind Kevins parents. Always would speak when she was out working in the garden or any other time you would see her. She was a thoughtful person, asking about others. Prayers to the family at this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss! Helen was a very nice person to everyone and a hard worker. Prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
The Hilpert Family
Deepest sympathies to the all the families -she has touched many lives. Thinking of all of you during this most difficult time.
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