Obituary of Myrna Laray Baker

In Loving memory of Myrna Laray Baker

Myrna dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the well-being of those she loved and the care of others. Myrna’s greatest desire was to leave this world in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the warmth and presence of her loved ones, just as she had lovingly attended to others before her. Her family, friends and other loved ones are comforted knowing that desire was fulfilled as Myrna passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on Monday, April 22, 2024, after a year long battle with cancer.

Myrna’s life was a testament to her selfless character as she devoted herself to the care of others as a home health provider, mother, wife, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. Many would say that Myrna was always there for them and she assisted many towards and through their journey of sobriety. She was always there for the people she loved, and she loved many and many loved her. Myrna’s legacy lies in her role as a caregiver, in her personal life and her work. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to the well-being of others, embodying the true essence of compassion and selflessness. Her unwavering commitment to caring for those in need touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on the world around her.

“If you remember anything of me, after I leave this world, remember that I loved even when it was foolish. That I cared even when it was unwanted. When my body is gone, remember my heart.”

Myrna loved to crochet and left a custom blanket made with her own hands to each of her grandchildren and many other loved ones. She loved to spend time in her garden, growing beautiful rhododendron bushes and sunflowers. Her garden is strewn with mementos and trinkets, as she put herself and the things and people she loved into everything she did. She also loved playing Bingo and often took her grandchildren on their 18th birthdays to share her joy in the game. Myrna could be described as rough around the edges as she donned her leather chaps and vest to ride on the Harley through the mountains and along the shores of the ocean with her husband. Her family has fond memories of her providing her “world famous” fried burritos, rice and enchiladas at any family celebration. Myrna placed a high value on spending time with her family. Thanksgiving was “Mom’s” holiday, as she welcomed all family and any friends to join in many Thanksgiving dinners through the years; there was always a place at Myrna’s table. Beyond her family and friends, Myrna’s greatest passion was her beloved Seahawks football team. She enjoyed dressing up in green and blue from head to toe complete with colored hair and nails and her favorite players jersey, for almost every game. She was a diehard Seahawks fan and stood by them through the good years and the bad years.

Myrna was a force of nature, she loved hard and fought hard. Though Myrna may no longer walk among us, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her warmth, her kindness, and her love. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her legacy by embracing the values of compassion and generosity that she so beautifully exemplified. She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Elsie Werst

(Monds) and her father George Werst. Her sister Helen Sackett, and her brother Dick Pitigliano. Myrna is survived by her devoted husband, who cared for her lovingly and without fail in her last days, John Baker; her children Lonnie Fouts (Jim Fouts), Melissa Robinson (Bradley Robinson), Aaron Baker, Kari Meunier (Eric Meunier), Jimmy Baker (Crystal Baker). Her greatest joy, her grandchildren, Abbigail Dohse, Austyn Dohse, Elsye Dohse, Ryder Carnahan, Taylor Robinson, Kane Baker, Koda Fouts, Ashton Baker, Athena Baker, Brady Irving, Randi Meunier, Asher Meunier-Irving, Jack Meunier, Oliver Meunier, Roger Harlen, Aerianna Roberts, Xavier Campos, and Zachary Baker. Her siblings Debbie Chambers (Joe Chambers), Diane Bradford, Patricia Clifford, Cindy Werst, Chuck Bebee (Wendy Bebee) Jimmy Baker, Lori and Butch, Cindy and Lee, Patricia, and Mike Sacket. Many nieces and nephews. Myrna’s “adopted” daughters, Mandy Gehrke, Talitha Green, and Heather Whittik, and “adopted” grandchildren, Alijah, Tyis, Kaden, Raelyn, Isaiah, Daniel, Austin, Aiden and many others that Myrna called her own throughout the years, as well as several close friends and extended family.

Myrna was an avid believer in celebrating life and not death. She wanted her loved ones to gather in remembrance and celebration. A celebration of life will be held at a future date, to provide time for the family to grieve and prepare to honor and celebrate her life.

In honor of Myrna’s compassionate and giving nature the family is asking for donations, in lieu of gifts, be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Myrna Baker.