Verna R Baker, 85, of Anacortes, surrounded by her family, took leave of them on August 7, 2024 to reunite with her beloved husband, Jimmie on the seventh anniversary of his passing, August 7, 2017. She was born in Rosebud, Montana on July 24, 1939, the daughter of Vincent and Laberta Kelly.

Throughout her childhood, the Kelly Family relocated from city to city and then from State to State, landing briefly in Beaumont, Texas before heading northwest to Anacortes on the senior year of High School. Of her travels, Verna did not care for Texas due to her dislike for cockroaches which were rampant there. Verna met the love of her life, Jimmy Baker in Anacortes. After graduation, with the Class of 57, where they walked down together at the Commencement Ceremony of their graduation, the couple eloped and got married, much to the chagrin of her parents. However no long-term estrangement resulted from that incidence and the Kellys welcomed their new son-in-law with open arms.

Jimmie eyed the construction industry and with his membership in the Unions (Locals 14 & 302), he successfully advanced in his chosen field as an Iron worker and heavy equipment operator for the construction of Dams. His career choice, once again saw Verna moving from State to State, following him wherever his construction projects took him. Five children were born to Jimmie and Verna during this time and the Bakers finally set root in Lewiston, Idaho and made it their home base. Verna kept busy as a stay-at-home mom, taxiing her children back and forth from schools and their extracurricular activities. Not only was she a mother to her own children, but she also took on the caring of the neighborhood kids as well. Verna was blessed with a "green thumb;" she had considerable talent in landscaping as well as cultivating fruits, vegetables and flowers for her family. This hobby turned into a career for her when she ventured out to work at the local nurseries sharing her horticultural skills. Aside from that, she was a consummate hostess, lending her culinary skills to make the holidays and dedicated events, even more memorable. Her home would be decorated for the occasion called for that exhibited unique creativity which was unmistakably Verna. Her warmth and compassion endeared her to all with like reciprocity from them.

When the Bakers finally re-settled in Anacortes, Verna sought employment with Skagit Valley Garden, where she quickly rose to the rank of Manager. She worked there for 16 years. Her  retirement gift was an all-expense paid cruise for Verna and Jim. When they returned home from their cruise, the Bakers purchased a motorhome and travelled all across the US, visiting friends and family, until Jim's health began declining. In 2016, tragedy struck the Baker family with the passing of their son, Jack, and in the following year, Jim, her husband of 60 years,  joined his son. Verna continued to remain active, doing everything as she had always done.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and son. Verna is survived by her four children: Jim (Lori), Jon, Jerry and Jeannie (Harry Stewart); grandchildren: Jimmie, Katie, Natie, Tony, Nicole, Ashley, Melissa, Tanisha, John, Sabrina, Sarah, Shawna, Jack, Jeremy and many, many great grandchildren, and extended family members.

To share memories of Verna, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary/verna-baker .