Rosemary (Willits) Baker's Obituary
Mrs. Rosemary (Willets) Baker passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 14, 2011, at Lake Woods Nursing Home in Muskegon, MI. Born in Davenport, Iowa on February 27, 1921 to Norman and Dorothy (Stephenson) Willits. Raised in her beloved Barstow, Illinois and spent over 50 years in LeClaire, Iowa, a community to which she contributed much. Graduated from East Moline High School, with honors, in 1939. Married Roy Baker in St. Louis, Missouri on June 8, 1942, who preceded her in death on December 9, 1994. She is survived by her son, Roy N. Baker (Connie), Muskegon, MI; a sister, Betty Nichols, Milan, IL, and 3 grandchildren, Andrew Baker, Sheri Kelsay, and Cindi Kelsay. Special lifelong friend, Melvin Frels, preceding her in death, September 2, 2009. Rosemary was a published freelance writer, poet and artist. Wrote for the Sabbath School Department of Seventh Day Adventist Church for several years, with articles in many issues of children’s Shining Star Magazine. She won the Golden Poet award in 1985 and 1986, from the World Poetry Association, and was named LeClaire’s Poet Laureate by the mayor in 1966. She has published poems in American Poetry Association books stored in the United States National Archives. A 30-year member of the Federation of Women’s Club, she held positions as both art and creative writing chairwoman for many years. Clubwoman of the year twice. Member of the National Epsilon Sigma Omicron Society for literary women. Iowa state chairwoman for 4 years, received their highest Torch Award, and was on the cover of Woman’s Club Magazine. A lifelong supporter of scouting programs, she was both a Girl Scout and Camp Fire leader in 2 separate communities throughout the years. Her work brought her awards from both the American Legion and Isaac Walton League for Conservation efforts. Combined with her husband’s Boy Scout troop, they completed a project to create a town park, which was dedicated Scout Park by the LeClaire Town Council, including an award from Parents Magazine. She cherished still keeping in contact with her former girl scouts, over the years. Many will remember her personally designed and painted Christmas cards. Above all, she was happy to be a Christian, avid Bible reader and 50-year member of the LeClaire Calvary Church, and a long association with the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Rosemary requested no visitation. She will proudly be laid to rest with her husband, Roy Baker, at 11:00 AM Monday, April 18, 2011 at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements handled by The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231) 726-5210 www.sytsemafh.com.
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