Aug. 8, 1918 — Feb. 23, 2018

Lydia E. Baker, 99, of Niles, died peacefully at 12:55 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness. She was born on Aug. 6, 1918, in Dowagiac, and was graduated from Dowagiac High School.

She was employed for 32 years at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company. She has lived in this area all of her life, including 80 years in her present home.

Lydia enjoyed fishing, including out on the Great Lakes. She participated in the area golfing leagues. On Nov. 6, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana she married Eugene L. Baker, with whom she celebrated the remarkable 73rd anniversary of their wedding prior to his death on April 10, 2011. They were sadly preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Keebler in March of 1966. Lydia was also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Hunkerford and brother, Walter Pucheloff. Surviving family includes her son, Michael (Barbara) Baker of Niles; Donna’s husband, Charles Keebler of South Haven, Michigan; grandchildren Kurt (Debbie) Keebler, Shelley (Scott) Rohrabeck, Michaele Klingerman, and Michael (Michelle) Bakerson; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Lydia Baker will gather to share memories and honor her life in the spring. Contributions in memory of Lydia may be made to the Caring Circle Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, Michigan, 49085, lakelandhealth.org/caring-circle/give-now/donate. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com