Elinor J. Baker, 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Sharon Care Nursing Home, following a long battle with multiple health problems unrelated to COVID. She joined her husband of 58 years two days before his birthday. Elinor was born Sept. 2, 1933, in Centralia, to Alfred (Baldy) and May Smith. She attended school in Rochester, graduating in 1951.
Elinor married Robert "Bob" "Buster" Baker, March 6, 1953. They had four children, Glenda (Richard) Kiffer of Centralia, a son, Bruce Robert, who passed away at the age of one month from meningitis, and twins, Bette (Dave) Fried of Centralia and Barbara Baker of Onalaska. She loved each and every one of her kids and treated each as an individual.
Elinor started work at Blakely and Hout Building Supply as bookkeeper. Elinor taught herself to use the adding machine with her left hand and write the figures with her right. She worked there for 45 years. Elinor and Bob enjoyed bowling, being league secretary and going to tournaments. She was very active at the Centralia Eagles, going through all offices, and working in the kitchen. She enjoyed being on the Ritual Team doing initiations and competitions. The Ritual Team won many awards, with Elinor winning several individual awards of which she was extremely proud. She was also state Membership Chairman. She put out the award winning club paper. You always knew when the band was playing Kalija, Elinor would be sitting cross legged in the middle of the dance floor with the “campfire” candle, doing her war whoop! Elinor was a member of TwinFusion Twin Club. Elinor became involved with Rochester Swede Hall. She continued to be a member till her passing.
Elinors’ favorite hobby was crocheting. She made the most beautiful doilies. If you have an Elinor doily, it is undoubtedly cherished. She also knitted, made aphgans and quillows.
Preceding Elinor in death are her parents; husband, Bob; son, Bruce; and brother, Jim Smith.
Elinor leaves behind her three surviving daughters, Glenda, Bette, and Barb; grandchildren, Suzanna, Dyan, Nathaniel, and bonus grandson, Sean Kiffer. Also her great-grandchildren, Caitland, Abby, Cadence, Jayden, Hunter, Owen, Sarina, Carina, and Isaac; her loving sister, Shirley (Dave) Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews; and more wonderful friends than a person could ever imagine. Elinor singing happy birthday or "You Are My Sunshine" to each us will be missed.
A celebration of life is scheduled for July 24, 2021, starting at 1 p.m. at the Rochester Swede Hall. It will be potluck. The family requests no flowers. Any donations will be given to an organization that Elinor would approve of. Please join us to honor Elinor.
"Mom, you are my Sunshine"
