Shirley A. Baker, 83, passed away Saturday Jan 10, 2008 at the Sierra Winds Care Center in Peoria, AZ due to complications from COPD and emphysema.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Robert G. (Bob) in 2006.

Survivors are sister, Nadine Langlinais of Sun City, Arizona; daughter Linda K. Baker of Denver, Colorado; son Robert A. Baker of Pocatello, Idaho; his wife Sheryl, two grandsons Eric Baker of Draper, Utah and Andrew Baker of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Eric’s wife Dalyn and two great grandsons Ryan and Deven. Shirley has one niece, Diane Miller (husband Lee) of Silver City, New Mexico and nephew Jon Langlinais of Carlin, Nevada. Her mother-in-law Clarice Baker is 106 and resides in California in an independent living home.

Shirley was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on August 13, 1925 to Helen Cox and Godfrey Doyle, the youngest of two sisters who were one year apart in age and rarely apart during their childhood in California and Wyoming. She attended Sheridan High School where she met her future husband Bob at a football game.

In World War II Bob joined the Navy, served in the Pacific theater, and returned to be married in 1946. They moved to Indiana where Bob attended Indiana Tech, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering.

Shirley was a lifelong homemaker while Bob built a 30 year career with the telephone company. His job took them to many locations in the Mountain West including Cheyenne, Casper, Denver, Helena, Boise, Pocatello, and Scottsdale.

In the early 1980’s they spent six months living in Saudi Arabia while Bob was assigned to the Saudi government as a engineering project Manager with Mountain Bell. They brought back many fascinating stories about their experiences overseas.

In 1981 they retired to Sun City where they enjoyed the good weather, golfing, home projects, and frequent visits from friends and family.

Shortly after Shirley and Bob settled in Sun City they moved her mother Helen and her sister Nadine to the area, and together they all attended to Helen’s needs until her passing in 1996. Nadine and Shirley remained close, and never failed to check in with each other with a daily phone call.

Shirley and Bob moved to an independent living center in Peoria, AZ in 2005.

Burial at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City Arizona.

The Sheridan Press - February 13, 2009.