Baker, Phyllis M. 1918-2013

BAKER, CUNNINGHAM, REESE, RICE, MARINOVICH, KARAS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/11/2013 at 12:06:53

Phyllis M. Baker

Urbandale

Phyllis M. (Cunningham) Baker, 94, passed away on Thursday April 25, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines, where the family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service time on Wednesday. Private committal services will take place at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Phyllis was born on November 10, 1918, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Howard and Wilma "Nana" (Reese) Cunningham. The family moved to Denver, Colorado, where they lived for many years. Phyllis was a 1936 graduate of East High School in Denver, Colorado. Several years later, the family chose to return to Iowa for an employment opportunity. During that time, Phyllis met and married the love of her life, Gene W. Baker on July 24, 1942 in Newton, Iowa. They made their home in the Des Moines area for 78 years. They enjoyed a very long and happy life together…truly best friends. Gene said many times about Phyllis, "Without a doubt the best break in my life was when I married Phyllis Cunningham".

Everyone who knew Phyllis knew how much she enjoyed the latest fashions and style. She enjoyed many activities including gardening, flowers and needlepoint. She was a wonderfully fun, generous and very kind woman. Phyllis cherished her family and friends and was loved by all. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Phyllis now joins her husband of 70 years, Gene. Phyllis will be greatly missed by her loving son, Britt (Mollie) Baker; grandchildren, Tina (Dave) Rice, Lisa Baker, Chad (Emily) Baker, Lance (Ashley) Baker, Meaghan Marinovich, Mathew Baker and Charlee Marinovich; and great-grandchildren, Shane Karas, Lydia Rice, Samuel Rice, Addison Baker, Isabella Baker and William Baker.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that any contributions be made to either Variety Club of Iowa or Toys for Tots. ~ The Des Moines Register Website, Des Moines, Iowa.