Edyth "Edie" Maude Baker

Edyth “Edie” Baker, an avid angler and master gardiner, completed her life’s journey Sunday, January 20, 2019.Her story began 80 years ago in the summer of 1938 in Starkweather, North Dakota. Born to Earl and Veronica Leek, she was the second to the youngest of 10 children. When the family emigrated to Montana in the 1950’s, Edie found her forever home, falling in love with the beautiful scenery she often painted. Here, she raised her children and passed along her love of the outdoors. Edie leaves behind a legacy of warm smiles, a quick wit, indomitable grace and determination. She was much beloved and will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit. A devoted mother, Edie instilled in her children the value of hard work as well as works of the heart. As a longtime volunteer at the New Directions Center’s ceramics room, Edie served her community by sharing her passion for creativity. She enjoyed passing time productively by crafting thoughtful and heartfelt gifts for those she loved. Her best gift, though, was the time she gave sharing her skills and knowledge with others. Edie is survived by her sisters, Murial Hunter, JoAnne Matte and Avis Harboldt; children Betty and Dean Friese, Tina Bryant, Gracie Baker (Golden) and Rachelle Mitchell; grandchildren Jason (Paige) Miller, Misty Holland, Richard (Carrie) Holland, Andrew Holland, Desarae Baker, Tiffany (Peter) Robinson, Amy (Spencer) Weaver, Matt (Mashelle) Bryant, Casey (Kourtney) Bryant, Nikki (Sean) Mick, Heather Young, Tabitha Wood and Micheal Baker; as well as 25 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents, Earl and Veronica; siblings LaVonne, Vernie, Kenny, Ethel, Verle, and Frank; children James and Michelle Baker; sons-in-law Douglas Bryant and David McGurran; grandchildren Kris Wood and James Baker, Jr.; and three great-grandchildren. We will miss you, Mama Jama! A Memorial Service will take place at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.