Nita J Baker

Nita J Baker, 97, passed away on December 1, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  She was born at home in National City, CA on October 8, 1926, to Vera & Robert Spargur. She was the 4^th of five siblings.

At sixteen her father was transferred to Odgen, UT which changed their lives forever. Nita met her husband, Everett Baker, an MP in the army on a blind date set up by her sister. They later married on February 8, 1945. They had 3 cherished daughters and 4 foster daughters: Jo Ann (Jodi) Waine, Sandy & Marie, and Kay.  Nita worked tying shawls at home for the Pendleton Woolen Mill.  All the while volunteering as a Brownie and 4-H leader, homeroom mother, and coaching softball.

After her husband transferred to Washougal, WA, she started her career as a postal carrier and was soon promoted to Postmaster at Trout Lake WA.  After retiring from the Post Office, she and her husband moved to Vancouver, WA, where she continued her volunteerism in helping elementary students read, and tutoring students with English as a second language. Nita also lived in Salem and eventually Dallas, OR. 

Nita enjoyed making cookies for her grandchildren and great grandchildren but also enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, bowling, tennis, and traveling.  She was especially skilled at playing card games: Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage, and Shanghai.  Nita played Rummy Cube, Scrabble, and other strategy games.  She will be remembered for her love and generosity to her family and friends.  

Nita’s husband, Everett Baker, preceded her in death on October 2, 2005, after 60 years of marriage. Nita was also preceded in death by her daughter Jo Ann Kelner, and son-in-law Steven Lyell, and 3 of her siblings: Myrtle, Arnold, and Donald Spargur. She is survived by her sister, Bettie-Jo Hackford, and her two daughters: Jean Lyell and Holly Vonderohe (Steve); 7 grandchildren: Kimberly (Paul Deike), Kiva (Brian Gaither), and Kari Lyell; Chris (Amber) & Jack Kelner, Jessica (Brad) Pilon & Tamara (Shane) Turner: 14 Great grandchildren: Raymond, Katelynn, & Everett Byrd; Rylie, Ian, & Havalah Gaither-Lyell; Riley, Abigail & Piper Kelner; Taylor, Tucker & Tanner Kelner; Nora and Ava Pilon. The family would like to thank the wonderful care providers at Dallas Retirement Village Memory-care unit and Bristol Hospice for the excellent care and love that they gave Nita during her residence there