Beverly Ann Baker

Beverly Ann (Burgess) Baker, 94, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025 surrounded by her family in West Des Moines, Iowa. Beverly was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2020.

Beverly was born November 29, 1930 to Frank and Mildred (Robinson) Burgess in Des Moines, Iowa. A lifelong resident, she graduated from Lincoln High School. She married Raymond Edward Baker and they spent four years in Alaska during Ray’s Army service. She was first employed in administration at Northwestern Bell and then she was the bookkeeper for Bowlarama and Airlanes Bowling Alleys where she and Ray had ownership. She also worked at the State Capitol as a receptionist when the Legislature was in session. Later she worked at Hilltop Beauty Salon as a bookkeeper and receptionist. During her working career, she made sure family came first. She never used a babysitter. She had her office in the basement so she could care for her two children or she would take them to work with her.

Beverly loved flowers and had beautiful gardens from which she would enter flower arrangements at the Iowa State Fair and win many blue ribbons. She loved crafts, especially ceramic dolls. She made a doll for each of her children and granddaughters and would dress each doll in their first Easter outfit. She spent a lot of time sewing, knitting and crocheting and would make a baby blanket for each new grandchild. She enjoyed bowling and golfing with the gals. She was a member of the Order of the Easter Star, a women’s organization of the Shriners International, and the women’s group at Staves United Methodist Church where she worked on several fundraisers. She also was involved as a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, home room mother, and PTA president.

Beverly cherished her family and loved spending time with them. She and Ray loved to travel and some of their favorite trips included New England, Bahamas, Hawaii and an Alaskan Cruise. After retirement they enjoyed spending the winters in Florida. They were deeply in love with each other for 71 years before Ray’s passing. They are dancing together right now!

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Ron) Gillum of West Des Moines, IA; son, Edward (Julie) Baker of Ottumwa, IA; grandchildren, Kristin (Julion) Sumpter, Edward (Briahnna) Baker, Lindsay (Britt) Peterson, William (Amy) Baker, and Staci (Ty) Larsen; great-grandchildren, Kaden Gillum, Drew Miller, Tylor Sumpter, Makenna Sumpter, Ryan Gillum, Kane Larsen, Jax Larsen, Ty Luca Larsen, Liam Baker, Nova Baker, Hazel Baker, and Eleanor Baker; and her sister, Marilyn Crusan.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Baker; brother, Frank “Mick” Burgess; and great-grandchild, Anthony Gillum

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Masonic section of Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation or Staves United Methodist Church in loving memory of Beverly.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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