Baker, Isabelle E.

Isabelle E. Baker, 88, of Keota, passed peacefully into eternal life on Feb. 16, 2012, at Halcyon House in Washington, surrounded by her family following declining health.

Isabelle was born July 22, 1923, in Plank Township, Sigourney, Iowa, the third child of Zeno and Edna (Horras) Hammes. She grew up in a loving home and learned at a young age what joy it brought to care for others and to always put your life in God's hands. She attended a one-room country school until fourth grade when she was deemed old enough to ride the 4 1/2 miles on horseback to Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School, where she graduated.

Isabelle helped her father farm during World War II while her brother was in the service. She also worked at the Rest Haven Nursing Home in Sigourney. On Nov. 27, 1946, she became the bride of Alva Baker. They were married at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in rural Harper.

Isabelle and Alva were given the gifts of five children. Each of them would tell you they had the best mother on earth. Those left to mourn her passing are four children: Robert and wife Marcia of Leesburg, Va., Richard and wife Barbara of Keota, Thomas and wife Donna of Richland and Brenda Vittetoe and husband Robert of Washington; son-in-law, Marlin Greiner of Keota; 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She is survived by one brother, Bernard Hammes of Sigourney and one sister, Mary L. Hahn of Sigourney.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Bonnie Greiner; great-grandson, Kolten Kingsbury; brother, Donald Hammes; and a sister, Marjorie Striegel.

Isabelle was a hardworking homemaker with many talents. Her skills shined as an excellent cook, baker and seamstress. The number of afghans and baby quilts she made were endless. She helped piece and hand quilt many quilts for the church raffles and for each of the family members.  She gave expression to her love for beauty, nature and farming by creating cherished and skillfully made handicrafts and by cultivating an extensive vegetable and flower garden. Family, neighbors and friends all have reminders of her many talents that she shared lovingly with all that she encountered.

Most of all, she enjoyed and valued her time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom she was always a living example of God's love.

She was a lifelong member of Ss. Peter and Paul Church (later referred to as Holy Trinity), a member of the Altar & Rosary Society and the church choir. She served on the Parish Council, was a religious educator and a sacristan for the church for many years.

Life took a different turn for Isabelle after a devastating stroke in 2008, but she somehow graciously accepted her fate and was deeply appreciative of the kindness given to her by all the staff at the Halcyon House the past 3 ½ years. While not being able to converse post stroke, she actively communicated her love abundantly with others through her smile, gentle touch and actions of her faith-filled life.

A woman of dynamic and deep faith, she committed her life to caring for her family and was always available to share her many talents and gifts with those in need.

Isabelle was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and remained at the center of her family's heart. She was a source of great faith, strength, inspiration and most of all, a reflection of God's love to all she encountered.

Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Holy Trinity Parish-St. Mary Catholic Church,  Keota, with the Rev. Charles Fladung officiating. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemeteries-Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in rural Harper. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Sunday at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, where there will be a wake service at 4 p.m.

A general memorial fund has been established.

Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Isabelle and her family.

Condolences may be sent online at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.

Published Feb. 18, 2012 in The Gazette