Mary Jo Baker

Mary Jo Baker, 80, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 19, 2019 with her children by her side at Taylor House Hospice after a short battle with cancer.

Mary Jo was born October 19, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa to Joseph and Olive (Cooper) Harris. She graduated from East High School in 1957. Mary Jo greatly loved the Lord as well as her children, grandchildren, many life-long friends, her beagles, the ocean, and listening to old hymns. Mary Jo spent many years traveling with her family while her husband served in the Air Force. After moving back to Des Moines, she began working in childcare until retiring to look after her grandchildren. Mary Jo spent her final days at Taylor House Hospice where she received outstanding care from the loving and compassionate staff. Her family will be forever grateful for the care she received.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son Jim (Deb) Baker, daughter Ann (Joe) Gatto, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Olive Harris, brother Raymond Swihart, sister Mildred Hardy, and granddaughter Melissa Medearis.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by funeral service at 5 p.m., Sunday, February 24 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

In remembrance of Mary, memorials may be made to Taylor House Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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