Betty Ann Baker

Betty Ann Baker, age 85, of Purcell passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 at Sunset Estates where she had been a resident for 5 ½ years. Betty was born on August 14, 1927 in Chelsea, OK. She was the youngest of three children born to Samuel Jonah West and Mae Isabelle (Clanton). Her parents moved to Vinita and ran a restaurant until the untimely death of her father. Her extended family still operates the "Clanton's Café" in Vinita and serves pies "made the way her mother use to make them". Betty Ann graduated from Vinita High School in 1945 and was a National Merit Scholar. After H.S. she attended Oklahoma A&M now Oklahoma State University and received a two year business degree in Stenography and Commerce. While attending college she met Ual Baker, a young soldier from Wayne, OK, who had just returned home from the Navy and WWII. Betty and Ual were married on November 16, 1947 in Vinita, OK. Their first home was in the Lindsay, OK area before moving to a farm SW of Purcell near the Fairview Community. Together they raised three children; Stephen , Gary, and Jennifer. Betty worked as a rancher's wife and as a stay at home Mom, which meant she worked hard at cooking, cleaning, washing and supporting her children in all of their many school activities. Her love for her community and her church also kept her busy. She was a member of the Fairview Homemakers Extension Club and looked forward to their monthly get-togethers in each other's homes. She was a faithful and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell for over 40 years where she contributed her time and effort as a team leader for the "Rotary Cooks". She and the other Methodist women, Ralph Wall and pastors were proud to serve this weekly Wednesday Noon lunch to the local business men and women of Purcell. In her later years, Betty enjoyed working at Wilson-Little Funeral Home as their evening receptionist. She and Ual enjoyed traveling and meeting other people, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: Parents: Samuel and Mae West Husband: Ual Baker Son: Gary Baker Two brothers: Harold and Aubrey West She is survived by: Daughter: Jennifer Baker Galvin and husband Mark of Bartlesville Son: Steve Baker and wife Kathy of Purcell Daughter-in-law: Lynda Baker of Purcell Five grandchildren: Jason and Ashley Baker, Scarlett Baker, Hilary and Ryan Tabb, all of Purcell. Liberty Galvin of Stillwater and Egan Galvin of South Jordan, Utah Two great grandchildren: Jasey Bliss Baker and Haze Gary Baker Also many other loving relatives and friends Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, Dec. 7, 2012 at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Purcell, OK. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 211 N. 2nd St., Purcell, OK, 73080.

Betty Ann Baker

August 14, 1947 - December 1, 2012