Nancy Baker

The world gained a guardian angel on the morning of September 22, 2023, when Nancy Jo Baker passed away suddenly in her home. Born on June 13, 1957, to Gearl Dene and Dale Howard Whiteaker, she spent her entire life in the Wenatchee Valley. Nancy's profound connection with her parents and family laid the groundwork for her to become the beloved and cherished person we all knew. She graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1975 and lived her life in the Wenatchee Valley. On March 1, 1979, she married the love of her life, Dan Baker. They were inseparable and their bond expanded with the birth of their son, Levi, in 1984. Nancy showered Levi with unwavering love and support. Whether vacationing with Dan, Levi, and her parents, sharing weekly grocery runs with her mom, or meeting friends for lunch to catch up on life, spending time with her loved ones was always a top priority in Nancy's life. Nancy's first priority was being Levi's pillar of support. Not only did he lead her and Dan into uncharted territory, taking them to Mexico for their wedding, but she also gained a daughter in Levi's wife, Ashley. It was during this time that she recognized the kindness, love, and laughter she had instilled in her son, which created brotherly bonds among those who surrounded Levi. While she never relinquished her role as Mom, her next title was the greatest gift of all, and what she was meant for. Great moms gets promoted to grandmas. Being Grandma to Westyn and Vivienne brought her unparalleled joy. Their visits to Grandma and Grandpa's house were always special, and they referred to it as "Home," just as Levi still does. The smile on her face while cuddling with them, sharing popcorn, could light up the night sky. Nancy’s recent vacation with them to Kauai was one of their happiest moments. The memories she had with her family there will never be forgotten and are now held dear. Though this is an incredibly challenging time, her family takes solace in knowing that her new role is that of their guardian angel, guiding them every step of the way, just as she always did. Nancy dedicated 35 years of her career to Growers Credit, where her loyalty and compassion for growers and the industry were unwavering. She ensured her commitment lasted until they closed their doors in January 2013. She was greatly appreciated and loved by all the fruit growers she worked with, from start to finish. Following her time at Growers Credit, Nancy worked for Confluence Health for the following 10 years. While her official title was Insurance Specialist, her true joy came from being a friend, confidant, and office mother to everyone fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Retirement was never on the horizon for her because she cherished the relationships and bonds she had formed too much. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Kathy Henry (Scott), uncle Junior Smart, grandparents Agnes and Earl Jones, and sister-in-law Barb Sherrill. She is survived by her loving husband Dan, son Levi (Ashley), grandkids Westyn and Vivienne, and brothers Bruce and Greg Whiteaker. She also leaves behind her niece Erin Poff (Devin), nephews Tim Henry (Jeannie) and Jeremy Marsh (Amanda), and great nephews Jacye Port (Linda) and Andrew Henry. A memorial to celebrate Nancy's life will be held on Friday, October 6th, at 11 am at Jones & Jones in Wenatchee. We invite everyone whose lives she touched to join us in remembering her life well lived.

Tributes

Nancy Baker

June 13, 1957 - September 22, 2023