Myrna Baker Obituary

MYRNA LURLENE BAKER
August 17, 1940 ~ January 5, 2011
"Her sparkle and wit will be missed by everyone who knew her. She made every room she entered a bit brighter."

Myrna Baker died at home surrounded by the love of family and friends on Jan. 5, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Since her original diagnosis 22 years ago, she has lived a very full, happy life and touched so many lives. Myrna was born in Pickens, OK, on Aug. 17, 1940. In 1943, the family moved to Vancouver, WA.
After graduating from Hudson Bay High School in 1958, she married and moved to San Diego, CA, where she had two children, LaLani and Ty, who were the light of her life. She was divorced and back living in Vancouver by 1969.
While the highest degree she held was a high school diploma, she showed that through grit, determination, and hard work, it is possible to achieve anything. Starting as a unit secretary for Kaiser Permanente Hospital, she climbed the corporate ladder, retiring from Kaiser as the Director of Human Resources for the Northwest Region. At Bess Kaiser, she made not only policy changes but many lasting friendships that endured more than thirty years.
On her 33rd birthday, Myrna married the love of her life, Charles Edward Baker. Together they shared a magical marriage full of travel, laughter, and compromise. He preceded her in death on September 22, 2001. She has missed him dearly every day and was anxiously awaiting reuniting with him. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Horace Axton and Hugh Axton.
Myrna will be greatly missed by both family and friends.
She was simply one-of-a-kind. She would want you to remember the good times she shared with you if you were lucky enough
to have known her. She lived life to the fullest every day.
Surviving family members include her daughter LaLani Pitts and husband Steve; son Ty Baker and wife Michelle; brother Lynn Axton and wife Sue; and many nieces and nephews. Myrna will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, whom she loved very much: Morgan Smith and husband Sean, Whitney Baker, and Aaron Doud; and her great-granddaughter, Eva Rose Smith, who loved her nanny.
A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Sat., Jan. 22, 2011, New Heights Church, 7913 N.E. 58th Ave., Vancouver, WA.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Please sign Myrna's guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 9, 2011.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Myrna Baker

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OMG. I was just in Vancouver yesterday and here comes this red Miata with this dark haired lady driving and I said to myself " There goes Myrna". I think of her often and always laugh or smile. She was truly one of a kind and I cherish the many Monday night´s I got to spend with her. Hugs to her family
Patsy Keels

Patsy Keels

Friend

January 3, 2022

I think of Myrna so many times and just laugh or smile. She truly was a special lady and will never be forgotten. She was a joy to know and our weekly Monday hair appointments were always fun and adventurous as she liked to change things up often

Patsy Keels

Friend

January 3, 2020

I send my condolences to the Baker Family on the loss of Myrna. I was fortunate to work with Myrna at Kaiser Permanente and I can say that she was always there to give insight and support. Her friendship was real and her honesty unwavering. She was one of those rare people who lead with her heart and gave to everyone she came into contact with. Myrna will be missed by all and we are all better people for knowing her.

John Shepherd

February 4, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Myrna, she was so such a wonderful lady. I'm thrilled to have had the privilege of knowing and working with her at KP, she always had a smile for everyone and willing to help all. My prayers go out to her family at this time.

Linda Sloan

January 30, 2011

I will truly miss a dear friend. I met her in 1971 and she became an adopted sister to me. I only lived in Vancouver for 6 years but she and I kept in touch through mail and phone all these years and she was still like the older sister I never had. Love you Sis.

Ruth Dilda

January 24, 2011

I was so sad to hear the Loss of such a
great Person. I had the privilege of working for her at Bess Kaiser Hosp.She
was my friend,and was always so supportive and Caring. My prayers to her family that she loved so much..

Velma Jones

January 17, 2011

Myrna was a great person, full of life and laughter. I worked with her at Kaiser, at different times throughout the years and always found her to by a great person who loved her family and always had sound advice when I needed it.
I am really sorry for your loss and hope that you find comfort in knowing that she was well loved.

Leda G Biondi

January 16, 2011

She was the sweetest kindest person I know.
Huge loss to the planet.
Huge loss to the family.
I will miss her very much
Bill Axton

BILL AXTON

January 16, 2011

There are few exceptional people in the world. Myrna is one of them. She will be missed.

Pat and Al Doud

January 15, 2011

I knew and loved Myrna for many years while coworkers at KP. She was so down to earth, funny, and pragmatic about life. She never took things too seriously, and tried to help others see things her way: "Life's a hoot!". I am glad that Myrna and her best friend, Helen Mazyck are now together. I sure hope they save a spot for me on their bowling team!!

Shawn Berahmand

January 15, 2011

Mryna will be missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her and spending time with her. She was always a true example of showing the love you have for others. Her face beamed when she spoke of family and friends, and glowed when she shared stories of her dear Chuck, Ty, Lani, and those amazing grandkids. What an influence she had on all who were lucky enough to call her wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or just a friend. Her sense of humor especially in the tough times is a lesson for all to learn. What a lady, and what an impact she has made.
Katherine Bishop

January 15, 2011

To all of myrna's family I am so sorry to hear of my funny and much loved friend Myrna's death. She was truly one of a kind and makes me smile every time I talk or think about her. Even in her dying days she was funny ,happy and a joy to be around. Doing her hair until the end I never knew what she might want(blonde or brunett) I am in Tucson and won't be home in time for her service. Please know my love and prayers are with you all at this difficult time Patsy Keels

January 15, 2011

Ty , Shelly, Morgan, Whitney ,

I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person that showed so much love for her family and the people around her. My Thoughts & Prayers are with you during this rough time,.
(((( HUGS))))

Kristy Blake

January 13, 2011

I just found out about beautiful Myrna's passing. She was such a wonderful woman, always ready with a hug, smile and her laugh! To the Baker family I will keep you in my prayers as you go through these days.

January 12, 2011

I just found out about beautiful Myrna's passing. She was such a wonderful woman, always ready with a hug, smile and her laugh! To the Baker family I will keep you in my prayers as you go through these days.

Debbie Derrick

January 12, 2011

Myrna inspired me and warmed my heart. It was a blessing to have worked with her and to be her friend.

Tim Blakely

January 12, 2011

Myrna is an inspiration. A loving friend and coworker. Her hugs were "real" and her smile warmed our hearts.

Tim and Linda Blakely

January 12, 2011

I will miss “Wonder-woman” who taught me so much about strength, love and compassion.
Ken Myers

January 12, 2011

Myrna was more than just a neighbor across the street! She was a huge part of our family. She was a grandma to my children, she was my mom's best friend, and for me she was like another mom to me. I loved seeing her everyday, hearing her laughter, listening to her advise, and sharing stories. We have so many wonderful memories. We feel so blessed to have had Myrna a part of our family the past 6 years. She will forever be missed by us!

Love, Kari, Danny, Spencer, Sydnee and Parker

Kari Belcher

January 11, 2011

What an amazing and tenacious woman! I admired her greatly!

Linda Lauderdale

January 10, 2011

Ty,Lani and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Myrna brought happiness and laughter to all. I will miss her.

Barbara Samples

January 10, 2011

Myrna was the love and laughter in our department durning the time she worked in Longview.
I never saw her have a bad day.
She will be missed greatly!
Candise Elmer Kalama Wash

January 10, 2011

My thoughts are with you - great person.

Rose Lambert

January 10, 2011

Ty and LaLoni,

I want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers and wish I could be there to celebrate your mom. I loved her so much and she was such a foundation for all of us! She was always such a kick in the pants and She was my idle when growing up. Her love and laughter will be missed so much. She left both of you a wonderful legacy to carry on with your children and grandchilden.

We all have a lot of memories that will last a lifetime because Aunt Myrna was someone who you could never forget once you met her......

Love,
Deb Shackleton

Deb Shackleton

January 10, 2011

Ty, Shelly, Morgan and Whitney,

We are so sorry to hear about Myrna. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Cindy Potter

January 10, 2011

Myrna was always such a support in my years at Kaiser Permanente. She never hesitated to give a helping hand and to answer even the most trivial question. I missed her when she left KP, and I join with her family and friends in the celebration of a life well lived. God Bless.

Jim Ebacher

January 10, 2011

Ty and Lani,
My heart goes out to both of you. I loved your mom so much. I have nothing but fond memories of her, laughing, smiling, helping, protecting...always there to help in any way she could. That was just who she was. I will have an empty place in my heart since she is gone, but my memories will last a life time. Thank you for sharing her with us, she was a treasure. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you both.

Joyce Ermis

January 9, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss Ty and the Baker family. I only knew Myrna a short while but she was a highlight of all the events that I got to enjoy with your family. She was always so positive and uplifting and always made you feel part of the family. She glowed everyday with love and support towards others and will truly be an angel to help support those searching for answers and truth. May god bless Myrna on her next adventure and please rest easy knowing that she will be there to care for us in the future as she always did in the past. Kindest Regards,

Jonny Closson

January 9, 2011

The love Myrna had for her family was always at the root of her wisdom and advice for her friends! She was a treasure and forever changed my life!
(co-worker in real estate but mostly friends!)

Ami Taylor

January 9, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Y. A.

January 9, 2011

Ty and lani
Aunt Naomi's heart goes out to you two. I have so many precious memories of all of us together. I just loved the time when I kept you when Sis first went too work. Just rember the Lord is your strength and he only a prayer a way. Please call me if I can be of any help in any way.
Much Love Aunt Naomi

January 9, 2011

My best to all the family. I enjoyed working with Myrna for many years. When I needed help and Myrna was there, it was such a relief. She was smart, direct, absolutely transparent and non-judgmental. I loved Myrna!

Betty Montgomery

January 9, 2011

Ty, Lani and family, May the Lord comfort you with his great love at this time. Myrna was a great second mom. Page and I love you all and miss you very much.

Steve Johnson

January 9, 2011

We will miss the visits we have had with Myrna. It was always uplifting to be around her. We will miss her. We are happy we had the opportunity to be friends with such a great person. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to her children.

Mr. & Mrs. Pitts

January 9, 2011

My sincere sympathy to the family. I know how important each of you were to Myrna. I was a co-worker of hers at KP and she aways had a smile for me. We were friends and I will miss her.

Karen Morse

January 9, 2011

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