Obituary of Margaret Baker

A public viewing 9:00 a.m. prior to service time Margaret Rebecca Baker passed away after a brief illness on October 14th in Olympia, Washington. She was ninety years old. Margaret was born on May 23, 1918 in Barry, Illinois to James Montford and Minnie Lee Nye. She was one of six children. When she was a young child, her family moved to Olustee, Oklahoma where she resided until she attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State) in Stillwater. She graduated with a B.S. from Oklahoma A&M and then moved to Freedom, Oklahoma in August 1941 to teach. She boarded with Jean Cordia Baker and won the heart of Jean’s five year old son, Jim. While on leave from the Army visiting his family, Margaret’s future husband was first introduced to her by young Jim’s exciting and constant chatter about the new local teacher. Linwood broke Jim’s heart and married Margaret on July 7, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas. They had two children, Linda and James. During their marriage, they resided in southern California for a few years, and then transferred to Fresno, California where they lived for fifteen years. They returned to Freedom, Oklahoma to the family ranch and farm in 1966. Margaret lived there with Linwood until his death in 1970. She continued to live there until she re-located to Lacey, Washington to be close to her son and family. She was able to enjoy over thirteen years here with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Margaret lived a full life. Throughout her life, she earned the title of daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a love of learning, and reached out to many people as a teacher, a librarian, and household helper. She was kind and thoughtful. She was always one to send a note of love, inspiration, and guidance. In spite of her ailments, she always found ways to serve others in her own way, and to make sure they knew of her love for them. She was patient and mild-mannered, quietly teaching and inspiring others to love more, learn more, and to achieve great things. Most importantly, she loved the Lord and her family. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and husband. She is survived by her older brother, Ed Nye, her daughter, Linda, and her son, James. She leaves behind five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was a grandma to all who came in contact with her. She will be missed.