Elizabeth Dieudonnée Baker

Elizabeth Dieudonnée “Liz” Baker, born Nellie Sanders on June 26, 1939, in Columbia, South Carolina, was adopted at 11 months old by Jay Wesley and Elizabeth Dieudonnée (Mason) Henke of Melrose, Massachusetts, who lovingly called her Toozie. Her uniquely remarkable childhood shaped her into a woman who embraced life fully, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met. She passed away on January 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family, reuniting with her beloved husband, Gary, and finding eternal rest with her Lord and Savior. Liz had an eventful childhood, living in Massachusetts, New York, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It was during high school in Jenks, Oklahoma, that she met the love of her life, Gary Dean Baker. They were married for 59 wonderful years before Gary’s passing in 2018. Their union was blessed with three children, Denise, Lorrie, and Lance, who grew up witnessing the depth of their parents' love and commitment. Their life together was marked by adventure and adaptability as they moved many times across the country–from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, to as far as Alaska–in support of Gary’s career with Koch Industries. They always left behind a trail of cherished friendships in each community they touched. As a devoted homemaker, Liz poured her heart into making every house feel like a warm and loving home no matter where they lived. Her creative talents were evident in her painting, ceramics, sewing, baking, and gardening. Liz was renowned for her beautiful and intricate cakes, particularly the wedding cakes she lovingly crafted for her children and extended family, eventually turning her passion into a successful at-home cake business. She was honored to have received an order to prepare a cake for President Gerald Ford and Senator Bob Dole during the celebration of Dole’s nomination as Ford's running mate. She had a deep love for all genres of music, and her toes would tap along to her favorite songs, bringing her joy right up until the very end. As a teenager, Liz enjoyed babysitting, was a candy striper at St. John’s Hospital, and later attended nursing school for a short time. She found great fulfillment in volunteering her time and talents to help others through Meals on Wheels, Extension Homemakers Unit, Garden Club, Petroleum Wives Club, and held leadership roles with Take Off Pounds Sensibly and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly organizations. Liz cherished the fellowship she shared with her church family and was a woman of faith. An active member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, she led Bible studies, sang in the choir, and served through Friendship Feasts—helping others at every opportunity. She and Gary had a special way of finding joy in the little things, especially their love for all their fur babies. Whether traveling with siblings, children or dear friends, they treasured adventure-filled excursions in their motorhome. They occasionally enjoyed trips to "get BBQ," a lighthearted family code for a fun outing to the casino. Their partnership was a testament to unconditional love and shared laughter. In 2014, Gary and Liz embraced a new chapter in Bedford, Texas, relocating to be closer to family. This move brought them love, support, and precious moments together as they navigated Gary’s health challenges and Liz’s journey with what was later diagnosed as Lewy Body Dementia. Liz is survived by her loving children: Denise (William) Weber of Bedford, TX; Lorrie (Karl) Chavez of Fruita, CO; and Lance (Cindy) Baker of Bedford, TX; sisters and brother in law, Sue Featherston of Tulsa, OK, Dolores Bradley of Jenks, OK, Gregory (Patsy) Baker of Tulsa, OK; birth half sisters, Mary (Paul) Hooten of Quitman, TX and Donna Jernigan of Lexington, SC. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren: Lucas Baker (Timi Flaig), Kansas City, MO; Candace (Chad) Baker Hannon; Christian (Jacob) Baker Reynolds all of Bedford, TX; Denae Weber of Addison, TX; Cole Baker (Kaitlyn) of Keller, TX; Chad Dueitt (Phiphi) of Frisco, TX; Derian Weber (Ernesto Rios) of Dallas, TX and Tony (Riley) Chavez of Grand Junction CO. Great-Grandchildren: Ashton Baker (Grant Hamilton) of Lawrence, KS; Jaxson, Grayson, and Evelyn Reynolds, Emerson and Houston Hannon, all of Bedford, TX; Anderson and Maxwell Baker of Keller, TX; Remi Chavez of Grand Junction, CO; with three more great-grandchildren expected this spring. Great-great grandchild, James Hamilton of Lawrence, KS. All of her children and grands brought immense joy and pride to her life. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended Baker, Jones, and Dikeman families, and many friends from every part of her life, all of whom she cherished dearly. Liz is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Dean Baker; her parents, Jay Wesley Henke and Elizabeth (Mason) Henke Dikeman; stepfather, Willard Dikeman; father and mother-in-law, Morris and Thelma (Jones) Baker; brothers, Jay Henke and Mason Dikeman; sister-in-law, Merry Dikeman; step-sisters, Pat Phillips and Jean Schlademan; brothers in-law, EG Featherston, Donald Bradley and Roy Barnes; birth mother, Gaynelle Sanders; birth half siblings, Stanley Medlin, Bobby Medlin, Edith Hatcher, Betty Justice; and many other beloved family members along with her loyal dogs and cats she loved throughout the years. Liz’s gentle spirit, unwavering love, witty sense of humor, occasional banter with Gary, and long, loving goodbyes, will forever be treasured by family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, and resilience will remain in the hearts of those who knew her and in generations to come. A celebration of life honoring Liz’s remarkable journey will be held on Saturday, February 1st, at 1:00 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Okemah, Oklahoma. Family and friends are invited to gather before the service for light refreshments and again after the interment, at the Hen House (613 W Broadway Street, Okemah) for a meal, heartfelt conversations, and shared memories of Liz. A viewing will take place on Friday, January 31st, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a nonprofit organization dear to your heart in Liz’s memory. To share memories, offer condolences, or leave a message of support, visit www.parksbrothersfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Dieudonnée Baker

June 26, 1939 - January 21, 2025