Obituary of Marian Deloras Baker
Marian Deloras Russell was born in Monroe, Michigan on July 26, 1936. She was the youngest of three children born to the union of Wilbur Charles Russell and Pauline Ruth (Snavely) Russell. Marian would attend and graduate from Monroe High School with the class of 1953. She excelled in her studies earning a full-ride academic scholarship to Central Michigan University. Sadly, injuries sustained in an automotive accident prevented her from attending.
Marian took a position with Detroit Edison working the Operator board. She married Merle Warren Baker on November 29, 1958 in Monroe, Michigan. She continued in her employment until having her first child. The couple would be blessed with four children in all and Marian would care for all of their needs as a homemaker.
For more than thirty years she worked alongside her daughters at Aerial Express Gymnastics and Dance. A model employee, Marian, loved her role as receptionist. Her responsibilities varied, she truly did it all from ordering outfits for recitals, greeting customers, assigning classes, to teaching arts and crafts for day camps, she loved her work and especially the interaction with children and parents. She was an amazing listener and often gave helpful advice from her desk. Marian was so dedicated to her position that even after having a pacemaker installed on a Friday she was back to work by Monday.
She was a member of Frenchtown Senior Center where she enjoyed eating lunch, playing bingo and completing puzzles. She shared her home with her four-legged companion, Tinka. Marian loved angels and peacocks, teal and purple. She loved to watch the Hallmark Channel and the Detroit Tigers. The last several years she was an inspiration to others with her new found passion for exercise.
Marian Deloras Baker, age 85, of Carleton passed away at 3:54pm on Thursday; February 3, 2022, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Merle Warren Baker on January 25, 1990; one son: Matthew Wayne Baker; two sisters: Minnie Darlene Cvetkovich and Margaret Donna Lazette.
To cherish her memory, she leaves three children: Eric (Sarah) Baker of Laconia, New Hampshire, Renee (Dustin) Martin of Monroe, and Karla (Edward) Eshleman of Monroe; two granddaughters: Kristen and Roxanne; and two grandsons: Carson and Jayce.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Saturday; February 26, 2022, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s with Suzanne Hayford officiating. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie. Private inurnment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle. The family requests that all visitors wear facial coverings while attending services.
Because of Marian’s love of stuffed animals and lifetime of giving to others, the Baker Family suggests guests bring a stuffed animal to be donated in her honor. Memorials can be made in her honor to the Frenchtown Senior Center. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.