Betty Lou Baker

Betty Lou Baker, age 96, of Albia, IA, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Valley View Village in Des Moines, IA, under the care of Hospice of the Midwest. Betty was born on May 18, 1926, at home on the farm in rural Monroe County, to Harvey and Vera (Buell) Henderson. She grew up attending school in Lovilia, graduating with the Class of 1943. On May 6, 1945, Betty was united in marriage to Forrest Leland Baker in Lovilia, and to this union, 4 children were born, Laura, Cynthia, David and Robert. Betty and Forrest shared 60 years of marriage prior to his passing on June 13, 2005. Betty started employment as a switchboard operator with Northwestern Bell and then also worked as a secretary for various businesses over the years, retiring from KBUR Radio in Burlington in 1987. Betty was also an exemplary homemaker while raising her children and helping with the family finances. In high school, Betty was a cheerleader, a member of the Glee Club, and participated in theatre. She was very proud of being a graduate of the Lovilia High School and attended all of her class reunions. Betty was strong in her faith and was an active member of the Lovilia Methodist Church, the Wesley Methodist Church in Ottumwa, Grace United Methodist Church in Burlington, the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, and Staves Memorial United Methodist Church in Des Moines. She was also involved with the State Fair Champion Dancing Grannies of Albia. She was a talented seamstress, making various things for family members, such as wedding and Easter dresses and quilts. She was an excellent cook, known for her desserts, especially her pies with flaky crusts. During her later life, she enjoyed the occasional card game, word search puzzles, and watching Laurel & Hardy movies. Betty’s family was everything to her and she was very supportive of her children and grandchildren in academics, music, and sports. Betty is survived by her children, Laura (Manuel) Diaz of Sherman, TX, Cynthia Cooper of Des Moines, IA, David (Kelly) Baker of Davenport, and Robert Baker of Des Moines, IA; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and 2 sisters-in-law, Norma Baker-Barnes and Lola Baker-Ivins. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and good friends. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest; her parents, Harvey and Vera Henderson; 5 siblings, Helen Wood and Herbert, James, Walter, and Larry Henderson; and a son-in-law, James O’Connor. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Betty’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow services at Union Chapel Cemetery in Monroe County. A memorial has been established to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia or the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia. Betty’s family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and medical staff at Iowa Methodist, Valley View Nursing Home, and Hospice of the Midwest for the excellent care provided to Betty.

Betty Lou Baker

May 18, 1926 - June 6, 2022