Elizabeth "Bettie" Mae Baker

Elizabeth (Bettie) M. Baker, age 92, passed from this earthly life to her eternal home in Heaven on Monday, April 29, 2019.

She was born May 5, 1926, to Emma and Stanley Anderson in Oakland, CA.  Bettie was a 1944 graduate of Oakland Technical High School.  She attended San Francisco State College for 2 years until 1946 when she transferred to Warner Pacific College in Portland, OR, graduating from there in 1949.

Bettie married Howard E. Baker on August 1, 1947.  Following Howard’s ordination into the ministry, they served five congregations during their life together; first in Fresno (Floyd District), CA, then Roseburg, OR, Coalinga, CA, and San Bernardino, CA, before their final ministry in Walla Walla, WA, at the First Church of God (now the Blue Mountain Community Church).  As a part of their ministry, in addition to her teaching career, Bettie was a gracious hostess, wonderful cook and supportive pastor’s wife.

Bettie began her teaching career in elementary schools in Coalinga and San Bernardino for 10 years before moving to Walla Walla in 1969.  She taught for 19 years at Green Park School in Walla Walla, retiring in 1988.  Her students may fondly remember her daily reading of the "Box Car Children" series to them.

Bettie was a classically trained soprano and blessed many with her beautiful voice.  Her children and grandchildren looked forward to hearing her sing "Happy Birthday" to them over the phone every year. Their birthdays were not complete until Mom/Grandma sang to them.  In her elder years she was the "prayer warrior" for her family and many church friends were the recipients of her yearly birthday card greetings.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 57 years.

Left to honor Bettie and remember her love are three children; John Baker of Vancouver, WA, Joanne (Rich) MacLean of College Place, WA, and Janet (Bob) VanDonge of Walla Walla, WA; seven grandchildren (Jeff, Todd, Melinda, Kevin, Mark, Ben and Christopher); nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2019, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.  Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 11:00 AM at the Blue Mountain Community Church with Pastor Tim Bruner, officiating.

Memorial Contributions may be made to World Vision International or the Christian Aid Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.