Esther A. Baker

Esther Arleta (Smith) Baker, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2019 at The Windsor of Bradenton in Brandenton, FL. Esther was born on April 22, 1922 in Britton, MI, the daughter of the late Herbert and Grace (Hoagland) Smith. Esther taught school in Macon Twp in the 1940s and was also employed as a managerial secretary for General Phone Company in Adrian. On April 18, 1951, Esther married the love of her life, Judge Robert J. Baker and they shared their lives together until his passing in 2000. Esther and Robert were longtime residents of Adrian until 1994, when they relocated between Toledo, OH and Holmes Beach, FL. Esther found joy in creative expression. In her spare time, you would find her oil painting, playing piano, journaling, gardening, and golfing. She was always thinking of others; mailing a card to friends and shut-ins who were in need of a positive note. Esther was a faith-filled woman who attended and taught Sunday School for the First Presbyterian Church in Adrian. She was also a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority, Adrian Garden Club and was the First Charter President of the Elk Ladies Klub. Esther is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Mark) Baker-Kanous; 8 grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Judge Robert J. Baker; son, Gerald L. Baker; step-son, Charles W. Jameson; grandson, Bobby Jameson; and brother, Ford Smith. Her cremated remains will be scattered in the Gulf of Mexico, where her husbands and sons were also placed. Memorial contributions may be sent to Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, FL or to your local American Legion.