Iona M Baker

IONA M. BAKER Iona Mae Baker, age 97 of Otterbein Portage Valley, Pemberville, Ohio, formerly of Walbridge, Ohio died on Friday, November 8, 2013. She was born in Latcha, Ohio on May 17, 1916 to Emery and Meta (Boysen) Herman. She was the youngest of four children. Sisters Mildred and Hazel and brother Sanford preceded her in death. On April 27, 1935, Iona married the love of her life, Kempton Baker. They were married 69 years. Kempie preceded her in death in 2004. Iona was a lifelong learner and greatly valued education. She graduated from Lake High School in 1934. At the age of 39, she enrolled at Bowling Green State University to pursue a teaching degree and graduated in 1964 with honors and immediately began teaching third grade at Eagle Point School in the Rossford District. After retirement from teaching, Iona pursued her interest in art and became an accomplished artist. Frequently, she gifted family and friends with watercolors of flowers and birds. She also mastered the art of calligraphy. In later years, her family genealogy was of great interest to her. Iona was a very religious person and church was always an important part of her entire life. She was interested in the Bible and participated in Bible studies at Zion and Otterbein. She loved her family and is survived by her three children; Gail Griminger of Elmore, Ohio, George (Barbara) Baker of Elmore, Ohio and Rebecca (James) Reinbolt of Wadsworth, Ohio. Six grandchildren survive; Charles (Roxanne) Griminger, Kelley (David) Hill, Michael Baker, Sarah Reinbolt, Paul (Alisa) Reinbolt and Tom (Lori) Reinbolt. Seven great-grandchildren also survive her. The family would like to express our gratitude to the entire staff of Otterbein for their compassionate care of Iona these past years. Also special thanks to Pastor Sarah Teichmann from Zion Lutheran Church and Pastor Pete Johnston from Otterbein Portage Valley. Gentiva Hospice provided special services at end of life and made Iona’s passing peaceful. The funeral will be Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 11 A.M. at Zion Lutheran Church, 26535 Pemberville Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 with visitation at the church beginning at 10 A.M. Iona’s family requests any memorials be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements by Witzler-Shank Funeral Home in Walbridge (419-666-3121). Thoughts and prayers may be made at www.witzlershankfuneralhome.com.