Mary Jane (Atherton) Baker (1944)

BAKER, ATHERTON, GUNNAR

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 7/18/2006 at 09:52:51

Earlham Echo - Thursday, January 13, 1944

Mrs. Mary Jane Baker, died at her home Monday, after a short illness, at the age of 91 years and 14 days. She had lived in Earlham for many years and was known by everyone as "Grandma Baker." She was alert and able to take care of herself remarkably well, for one of her years, until a few days ago. Her obituary follows:

Mary Jane Atherton, daughter of Abner and Eliza Atherton, was born December 27, 1852 at New Haven, Ohio, and she passed away at her home in Earlham, Iowa, January 10, 1944, at the age of 91 years and 14 days.

When Mary was but five years of age the family moved to Mazon, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood.

On October 18, 1877 she was married to James Baker. To this union one child was born--Esla Baker.

In 1882 the family moved to Nebraska, where they resided till 1900. Then they came to Earlham where she has since made her home.

At the age of 19 she was converted and attended the Congregational church at Mazon, Illinois. While living in Nebraska she became a member of the Methodist church. Although never having brought her membership to Earlham she has attended both the Friends and Methodist churches here.

A devoted wife and mother, and always interested in those of her friends and neighbors who were afflicted, "Grandma Baker" although herself frail in body would often visit these friends, seeking to bring comfort and cheer to them. Alert to the current events of the day, she remembered these things remarkably well even in her later years and would often recount them when in conversation with her friends.

Her husband passed away in 1927. Surviving are the son, Esla Baker and wife; three granddaughters, Lilith, Elsie and Sarah, and one great granddaughter, Phyllis Jane Gunnar, daughter of Elsie; two sisters-in-law, Rebecca Atherton of Dexter, and Lottie Atherton of New Sharon, Iowa. Also several nieces and nephews and many friends.

Funeral services were held at the Friends church, Wednesday morning, January 12, conducted by Rev. Walter Wilson. Interment in the Earlham cemetery.