Karen Elaine Baker

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Karen Elaine Baker died on Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 surrounded by her family. She was the wife for over 40 years of Dr. Raymond C. Baker Jr. a native of Cambridge.

She was born April 22, 1942 in Ft. Wayne, Ind., the daughter of the late Paul and Ethela Merkey. She was a graduate of Elmhurst High School in Ft. Wayne, Ind., attended Indiana University and graduated from Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. Karen also attended graduate school at Towson University in Baltimore.

Karen was an elementary school teacher in Indiana, Ohio, Maryland and Virginia before devoting her time to raising four sons. Her car license plate read "5 Guys" to let everyone know she was the only lady in a family of six.

Mrs. Baker was a volunteer all her life. She volunteered for church and school activities and for many years was a volunteer for the Williams home and a member of the Williams Home Auxiliary Board. She was an active member of Peakland United Methodist Church. She served on many church committees for over 30 years.

Karen was an accomplished quilter and artist. She worked for a number of years teaching art and crafts to elementary school students and church youth groups in Lynchburg. Karen and a group of artistic friends held an annual arts and crafts show every fall to display and share their creations.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons: Christopher M. Baker of Richmond, Gregory S. Baker of Richmond, Matthew R. Baker of Richmond and Jonathan A. Baker of Lynchburg. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Anne Merkey of Glen Ellyn, Ill. and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and JoAnne Baker of Cambridge; her nieces and nephews, Renne Jeffries of Centreville, Alyssa Adams of Poolesville, Kelly Halfpap of Salisbury and Justin Merkey of Chicago, Ill.

A private graveside service with Dr. Timothy R. Gerde officiating will precede a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Peakland United Methodist Church on Tuesday. Family will receive friends at a reception at the church immediately following the service.

Please consider donations to the Karen E. Baker Memorial Youth Fund at Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is handling the arrangements.