Ruth Baker

 Ruth Ann Tolman Baker

Ruth Ann Tolman Baker, 80, passed away Friday, February 25, 2022 at North Canyon Care Center in Bountiful, Utah.

Ruth Ann was born September 24, 1941 in Pocatello, Idaho to Alma Jaren Tolman and Myrtle Harriet Priest.  Growing up on a farm as the oldest of six children, she was active in a variety of activities in 4-H, school and church.  Later in life she also encouraged her children to be active in 4-H and many other activities as well.

Ruth Ann met her husband, George Richard Baker, at a square-dancing club in Ogden. They were married on January 5, 1974 in the Ogden LDS Temple. They were blessed with five children in six years and raised their family in Kaysville, Utah.  After her husband’s passing in 2011, she continued to reside in Kaysville until entering a nursing home in 2020.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings over the years.  Ruth Ann was a dedicated historian, especially when it came to family history.  She actively taught others family history skills and performed many temple ordinances for deceased ancestors.  She was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, helping to found the Milk Skimmer DUP Camp and serving for a time as captain.

Ruth Ann loved learning and teaching, especially children.  She was an avid reader from a young age and left a house full of books.  She also loved to learn homemaking skills like cooking, canning, sewing and gardening which she passed on to her children.  Music was also an important part of her home. Ruth Ann graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Home Economics and earned a master’s degree from Washington State University in Early Childhood Education.  She encouraged her children to do well in school, each of whom graduated with university degrees.

Family was a top priority for Ruth Ann.  She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and learning of their varied activities.  She enjoyed making crafts and activities for the grandchildren and made Christmas ornaments each year for them, carrying on a tradition from her mother.  Her extended Tolman family held regular family reunions throughout her life.  Attending family reunions each summer and involvement in family organization needs was a high priority for her.

Ruth Ann faced many challenges in her life.  Family finances were tight more often than not.  She was a 20+ year breast cancer survivor.  She cared for her husband George who lived with dementia for many years until his passing in 2011.  Later in life, Ruth Ann faced several health challenges of her own.  The COVID-19 pandemic visitor restrictions further complicated things as well.  Through all these challenges in her life, she remained dedicated to doing what is right and to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The family would like to extend gratitude to the caregivers at North Canyon Care Center in Bountiful and Dignity Hospice for their compassionate care for the last years of her life.

Ruth Ann is survived by her five children: Ann (Javier) Romero of Nibley, Utah; Ben (Mickelle) Baker of Riverton, Utah; Connie (Dan) Nay of Syracuse, Utah; Debbie (Adam) Hansen of Soda Springs, Idaho; Eilene Baker of Layton, Utah; and fifteen grandchildren. She is also survived by her three brothers, Jaren Tolman, David (Pam) Tolman, Lloyd (Queta) Tolman and her two sisters Eilene (Rex) Stevens and Rachael (Dean) Lee. Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11 am at the Kaysville Central Stake Center, 555 North Fairfield Road (100 East),  Kaysville, Utah.  Friends and family may visit with family on Friday evening, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main St. and Saturday, at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services.

Interment will be in the Kaysville City Cemetery.

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