Obituary of Mary Jean Baker

    Mary Jean Baker was born in Tacoma, Washington on December 23, 1955, the daughter of Jeanie (Hardy) Rivers and Robert Coberly, Sr. She spent her youth in Tacoma and received her education at Mount Tahoma High School.

    On February 9, 1992, Mary was united in marriage to David Ray Baker in Tacoma, Washington. They made their home there along with children: Shawn, Joe, and Tiffany. While taking care of her growing family and keeping her household running smoothly, Mary was also employed with ABM Cleaning Service, focusing on banks and furniture warehouses.

    Since David is originally from Iowa, the family decided to make a change and return to the Midwest, settling down in Sanborn, Iowa. It didn’t really matter what state she was in, Mary’s domain was in the kitchen - you could always find something good to eat at her house! She loved to bake cakes and cookies for her family or to share with the neighbors. However, even a good cook messes up once in a while. Mary’s family still laughs about the Thanksgiving dinner she had worked so hard to prepare; aromatic stuffing, big turkey, cranberry salad, gravy. They were all getting ready to fill their plates when someone realized - there was nothing to put gravy ON…she had forgotten to make the mashed potatoes – and they never let her forget about it. Instead of wringing her hands over it, Mary laughed right along with them.

    Murder mysteries or good, old comedy shows were Mary’s entertainment. She had her favorites and made sure she didn’t miss them, yet her greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with her family. Memorable moments were spent just chatting with her kids over a cup of coffee. She was proud of her children, and dearly loved each one of her grandchildren.      

    On Saturday, March 23, 2024, Mary passed from this life at the age of 68 years. She is once again reunited with her mother, Jeanie Rivers; and her three brothers: Al Rivers, Tommy Rivers, and John Rivers.

    Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 32 years, David Baker of Sanborn, Iowa; her two sons: Shawn and his wife, Allison Rivers of Tacoma, Washington, and Joe and his wife, Jamie Flores of Sanborn, Iowa; her daughter, Tiffany and her husband, Justin Lee also of Sanborn, Iowa; her sister, Shelly Black of La Push, Washington; other relatives and friends.