Marilynn Elizabeth Baker

Marilynn Elizabeth Baker, our amazing and beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, and friend, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at St. Simeon’s Episcopal Home where she lived for more than four years. She was 91.
She was born on April 25, 1922, the adored only child of Hazel and Bernard J. Reeson. In 1942, as she was preparing to transfer to the University of Colorado to continue her education, she met and married the love of her life, Dr. Paul J. Baker, who preceded her in death in 2002. Dr. Baker worshipped the ground Marilynn walked on, and they were blessed with 60 devoted years of marriage.
Marilynn, who was affectionately known as “Buddy”, was always positive, uplifting, generous, and a woman of enormous talent. Her philosophy of life was to “love and enjoy every day to the fullest”, and she exemplified that philosophy in everything that she did. Always, a heart was touched by her presence.
As a long time resident of Claremore, she was a charter member and president of many civic organizations, a few of which include Book Club, Tuesday Study Club, Friends of the Library, Aladdin Club, Ocheleta Club, and the Claremore Hospital Auxiliary. She also received an appointment by then Governor David Boren to the J. M. Davis Gun Commission. An avid and very accomplished bridge player, she was a member of the Monday Club bridge group. In later years, Wednesday also became a bridge day. She and Dr. Baker took great interest in the Native American culture, collecting art and jewelry locally and also on their travels. Marilynn’s passions were endless. In addition to playing golf and tennis in her earlier years and her love for reading, she was a perfectionist at the multiple hobbies she pursued. Her latest endeavor was designing and creating stained glass works of art of which there were many. At Simeon’s, Marilynn enjoyed all the wonderful activities and outings that were offered. She was a true ambassador for the Home. She never missed a party and was very competitive when it came to Bingo.
A homemaker extraordinaire, Marilynn is survived by her loving family, her daughters, Debbie Baker and Revelle Clausing of Tulsa; her son, Dr. Ben Baker and his wife, Karen, of Bartlesville; her grandson, Paul Clausing, his wife, Amy, and her great-grandson, Paul James (PJ) Clausing, of San Mateo, California; her granddaughters, Meredith Baker of Tulsa and Margery K. Baker of Bartlesville.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the compassionate and tender loving care from Dr. John Hubner and the staff of St. Simeon’s. We also wish to thank St. Francis Hospice. A Rosary will be Friday, July 5, 2013 at 6 p.m. at Musgrove-Merriott-Smith Chapel, 102 West 5th, Claremore. A memorial service and celebration of Marilynn’s life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Simeon’s Episcopal Home, Chapel of St. Anna, 3701 Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Simeon’s Episcopal Home; Friends of the Library, 1515 North Florence, Claremore; or the charity of your choice.