BUCKSPORT and BANGOR – Ruth M. Baker, 86, wife of the late Donald Baker Sr., died April 7, 2012, at a Bangor nursing facility. Ruth was born Sept. 8, 1925, in Mount Chase Plantation, the youngest of eight children born to Frank and Catherine (Garrity) Hunter.
She graduated from Patten Academy in 1943 and married Donald, in 1944. She taught at Mount Chase’s one-room schoolhouse from 1943 to 1946. Ruth was a 4-H member during high school and later became a 4-H leader. She was a civil defense officer during World War II, checking homes with her brothers during test blackouts to ensure that no lights were evident. Ruth was a member of Bangor’s Queen City Grange for more than 50 years.
“Mom” will be sadly missed by her eight children and their spouses, David and Kay Baker of Hudson, Diana and Rafael Franceschett of Georgia, Donita and Larry Myrick of Georgia, Don and Dot Baker of Orland, Doug and Patty Baker of Hermon, Dwayne and Diane Baker of Winterport, Danny Baker and Rhonda Blake of Brewer, and Debra and Donald Havel of Bucksport. “Grammy” was very proud of her 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, seven siblings and her husband in 2003. The family acknowledges with thanks the care she received at Ross Manor throughout the past few years.
A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Hillside Cemetery, Wights Lane, Bucksport, with Pastor Peter Remick officiating. Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to The Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, P.O. Box 300, Patten, ME 04765. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 28 Elm St., Bucksport.