Obituary of Marion Baker

In Loving Memory of Marion Conn Baker Marion Conn Baker, 99, died peacefully on April 12, 2008, in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center. During her illness and hospitalization, she was constantly surrounded by her loving family members. A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 16 at Newton Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Howard Vrankin will officiate. Marion was born on January 15, 1909, in Newton and remained a resident of Newton throughout her life. Her parents, David and Ida Conn; her sisters, Peggy Conn, Grace Arbs; her brothers, George Conn, William Conn and Roy Mike Conn preceded her in death. Her very special granddaughter, Jennifer Lyn Sprague, also preceded her in death. Marion was a graduate of Newton High School in 1926. In 2006, she attended her 80th high school reunion and astounded all in attendance by standing and reciting her class motto. As a young adult Marion taught country school and during this time met her beloved husband of 59 years, Lorraine T. Bill Baker. For many years Marion worked at the JC Penny store in Newton and later worked with her husband at Hessons Ice Cream. They were well known throughout Newton as Marions polite manner and special interest in everyone she met endeared her to all. Over her almost 100 years, she greatly enjoyed her many friend, visiting with neighbors, gardening, her home in Newton and watching the many birds that visited her backyard each spring. She loved dogs and especially her constant companion in her later years, Muffy and Muffin (Muffy 2). Her greatest enjoyment in life was time spent with her family whom she dearly loved. And in turn, her family knew her as an incomparable Mom and Grandma. She never missed sending birthday greetings to her more than 40 family members. Most of all, she was always there to provide the love, support and wisdom her family needed. Marion is survived by her daughters, Marianne Hartgraves (Kenneth) of Parrotsville, TN and Lyn Shanley (Michael) of Albany, NY and Ocean Ridge, FL and her son, James Baker and daughter-in-law and best friend, Marjie Baker of Newton. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Newton Village, Skiff Medical Center and Hospice of Jasper County and especially Marions doctor of many years, Dr. Pak. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Newton Animal Rescue League, Hospice of Jasper County at Skiff Medical Center or First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Newton.