Norma R. Baker

Norma Rose Baker, 81, of St. Joseph passed away Monday, May 10, 2010, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, Michigan surrounded by her loving husband and family. Norma was born July 20, 1928, to Wrey and Edna Hammond in Lake City, Iowa. She graduated from Ames High School in 1946, and was an active member of the Kappa Delta Sorority when she attended Iowa State College. Norma Rose Hammond and Burton H. Baker were married on September 2, 1949, in Ames, Iowa. Norma and Burt started their family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and moved to St. Joseph, Michigan in 1958 when Burt began working for Whirlpool Corp. After a few years in Arlington, VA, the family returned to St. Joseph in 1966. Norma was a member of First Congregational Church, St. Joseph, MI. and active in the church's Mary Martha Circle, and Book and Banter, and served on the Board of Deacons. She volunteered for years at Lakeland Hospital and the Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor, and was active in the Community Concerts. Norma will be greatly missed by her husband of 60 years, as well as her children Ben (Beth) Baker of Davison, MI., Betsy (Rob) Newell of Santa Monica, CA., and Sarah (Jeff) Yircott of St. Joseph, MI., and grandchildren Lindsay (Neil) Baker DeVries, Brett and Nick Baker, Allison and Tyler Newell, Kevin and Katherine Yircott. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Wilbur and Merlyn and sister Celia. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 15, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave, St. Joseph, MI with Dr. Bob Braman officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph, MI. Visitation is 5 to 7pm Friday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to First Congregational Church, St. Joseph, MI, or Safe Shelter, Inc., Benton Harbor, MI. Those wishing to sign Norma's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.