Martha Baker
July 13, 2008
Martha Baker, 79, died at home on Sunday, July 13, 2008 from complications of lung disease. Martha was born on July 31, 1928 to Glen and Margaret Holmes in Chariton, Iowa where she was raised. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1946.
Martha later moved to Des Moines where she graduated from the American Institute of Business. She was married to James A. Baker, Jr. in 1948 and had four sons. Martha was a homemaker and also worked as a bookkeeper in the construction industry for many years, ultimately retiring from Proctor Mechanical Corporation.
Martha is survived by sons, Jeff (Pam) Baker, Randy (Jean) Baker and Tim Baker, all of the Des Moines area; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; sisters, Ruth Morgan of Chariton, IA and Doris McNeilly of Shenandoah, IA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim in 1979; son, Jackie in 1951; sister, Eloise Threlkeld and a brother Howard Holmes.
Martha was active in the Alpha Iota Sorority, enjoyed playing bridge and visiting with neighbors. She was active in Widowed Persons of Central Iowa, and volunteered her time with West Des Moines Human Services’ Clothing Closet and as a bookkeeper for various organizations.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation on Tuesday, July 15, from 5 to 7 p.m., funeral services on Wednesday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m., with graveside services following at 2:00 p.m. at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to West Des Moines Human Services.