Ruth Ann Baker, age 82, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ, on April 24, 2025.
Ruth was born in Holland, MI to Fred and Ruth VanNaarden on April 6, 1943. She graduated from Holland High School in 1961 and then attended nursing school at Grand Rapids Junior College, achieving her LPN in January of 1963. She loved and excelled at caring for others at Pine Rest and Holland Hospital.
On September 22, 1963, Ruth married the love of her life, Michael Baker. In 1977, she changed careers to spend more time caring for her own growing family. She spent the next 26 years working for Lifesavers Corp. where she met many lifelong friends. Ruth enjoyed many years of playing recreation volleyball for team “Lifesavers” and softball for “Paul’s Pharmacy” where she was an ace pitcher and home run hitter, always making more friends along the way. She was an avid sports fan, passing that love on to her children and never missed any of her children’s school sporting events.
Ruth also enjoyed vacationing and camping with her family while her children were young. Later in life, she loved traveling with her husband, Mike, all over the United States for Mike’s Navy reunions. Throughout her illness, she never lost her wonderful sense of humor. Her smile and laughter would lighten the whole room. Family was always Ruth’s passion in life. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ruth will be missed dearly by all those lucky enough to have known her.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Mike, daughter, Karin, and grandson, Forrest.
She is survived by her daughter: Kristin VanVooren, son: Scott (Kamille) Baker, daughter: Kathryn (Curt) Brown; grandchildren: Connor (Amanda), Alec, Alexis, Josh, Deegan, Logan, and great-granddaughter Indie Ruth.
A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Dykstra Funeral Home – Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland from 6-8pm with a prayer service at 7:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and/or the Ottawa County Humane Society.
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