Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Elsie Louise Baker Memorial
Elsie Louise Baker Memorial

Elsie Louise Baker

Elsie Louise Baker

Thursday, February 2nd, 2017

Elsie Louise Baker, 79, a longtime resident of the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Elsie was born on October 21, 1937 on the Tulalip Reservation in Marysville, the daughter of George & Alice (Edwards) Williams.  She was raised and attended school in Auburn, WA.

In 1957, she married Harold Wilbur and they raised their family and made their home in Shelton, WA.  In 1970 Elsie relocated to Skagit County where she met Floyd Baker. They were united in marriage in 1972.  In 1983, they were one of the first residents to move into the housing development on the Upper Skagit Reservation.

Elsie served on the Upper Skagit Tribal Council in the 80’s and 90’s and served as a member of the Enrollment Committee up to her passing. She also was an ordained Minister for the 1910 Indian Shaker Church, presiding over many ceremonies, including baptisms, weddings, and funerals for not only the Upper Skagit Tribe, but also surrounding Tribes within Western Washington.

Elsie was a commercial fisherwoman and fish buyer for many years. She enjoyed clam digging, playing bingo and spending time with her family.

Elsie is survived by her sons, Gary Wilbur Sr. and Richard W. Baker, of Sedro-Woolley; daughter, Lynne Wilbur Tinaza (Morris) of Shelton; step-children, Pauline Lezard,  Steve, and Alex Baker all of Auburn; two sisters, Georgina KingGeorge and Geraldine Williams of Sedro-Woolley; numerous grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Alice (Edwards) Williams;  ex-husband, Harold Wilbur; husband Floyd Baker; daughters, Joanne Kenyon and Angie Baker; son, Rick Wilbur; eight brothers, Floyd, Richard, Sherman, Edward, Larry, Marvin, Alexander and Ronald Williams and two sisters, Evelyn Jefferson and Ruby Williams.

 

Prayer Services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Upper Skagit Tribe Gymnasium.  Interment will follow at the Hamilton Indian Cemetery.

Guestbook

  • Laurie Liberty

    I represent St. Vincent de Paul at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Anacortes, WA. We were privileged to assist Elsie on several occasions. We don’t often get to learn about people’s complete lives–only small segments of them. It’s clear from this memorial that Elsie’s life was rich and her legacy will live on. May she rest in peace and comfort be granted to her family and friends.

  • Marlene Babe Johns

    Always n forever a beautiful lady. Prayers n love to her family. Love you Gereldine “Moon” and Gow n Lynne n rest of this blessed family. Love from Skokomish. Babe Johns n family.

  • Janet Emery

    Although it’s been years since I’ve seen Elsie she still stands out so vividly in my mind. As a young girl I remember going to the shaker church and seeing her and Whitey. She always had the sweetest smile and gentle way about her. Her sister Tina was/is one of my all time favorite aunties; I spent many a night at their home in Muckleshoot, playing with Elsie’s young children…. Angie and Richard while sleeping over w/my cousin Kristine. The ladies of this family have infectious laughter and smiles. My thoughts and prayers are with my cousins Warren, Kristine, Leanne and Laverne, and with my Baker friends here in Muckleshoot. One thing that should bring everyone peace of mind in her passing is that she is now back with her loving husband, in heaven/paradise and she is in her younger, healthier body. Praise God for blessing us with this amazing lady w/that beautiful, warming smile.

  • Nadine Williams

    Love my Auntie Elsie, i will miss her and my dad Merle Williams Sr very much, i use to drive to Skagit to visit his family. I love you cuz Richard Baker stay strong and pray…

  • Eva Rodriguez

    My condolences to the Baker family..My prayers with Elsie’s soul and with her children to find strength to move forward love u Richie god bless you