1 Upcoming Event
Celebration of Life
JAN
31
Saturday, January 31, 2026
1:00 - 3:00 pm
CSU Chico Bell Memorial Union
400 West 1st Street, Chico, CA 95929
William "Will" Baker, passed away after a short battle with cancer on November 5, 2025. He was 47.
Born April 25, 1978, in Wichita, Kansas, Will moved with his mother and sister to California in 1983. After attending high school in Anderson, California and spending some time in Ventura for film school he returned to the North State, and settled in Chico in 2011 where he worked for Sol and Thornton Chevron. In 2015 he began working for Chico State's Associated Students Dining Services. Over nearly a decade, he served in many roles, most recently as a residential dining service supervisor. Known for his compassion, warmth, and easy rapport with others, he was a caring presence for students and colleagues alike.
A passionate learner and creative spirit, Will was an avid photographer, writer, and bicyclist who also loved baseball—especially the Oakland A's—philosophical discussions, and sharing his deep knowledge of music and film. Friends fondly remember his humor, his garlic-growing prowess, and his long-distance cycling adventures.
Will cared deeply about student food security at Chico State and Butte-Glenn Community College, where he had attended. As a 2024-25 College Corps Fellow, he embodied the program's ideals of service and kindness.
He also set a personal goal of running a 5K in all 58 California counties, completing 12 races before taking medical leave earlier this year. Above all, he loved his family and lit up when talking about his nephews and niece.
Will is survived by his mother Kay Hudelson; his sister Theresa Baker-Beale; niece Kaylynn Baker-Beale; nephews Matthew and Calvin Beale; grandparents Margaret and Glen Baker; father and stepmother Robert and Sherrie Baker; half-sister Christy Baker; stepsister Casie Easterling; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry Rutledge, Jacqueline Rutledge and Carolyn Ornelas. As well as his uncles Andrew & Christopher "Chip" Rutledge, Michael, Loman & Nicholas West.
A celebration of life will be 1-3 p.m., January 31, 2026, at the Chico State BMU Auditorium. Donations may be made in his memory to the Chico State Basic Needs Project, reflecting his lifelong dedication to helping others.
Born April 25, 1978, in Wichita, Kansas, Will moved with his mother and sister to California in 1983. After attending high school in Anderson, California and spending some time in Ventura for film school he returned to the North State, and settled in Chico in 2011 where he worked for Sol and Thornton Chevron. In 2015 he began working for Chico State's Associated Students Dining Services. Over nearly a decade, he served in many roles, most recently as a residential dining service supervisor. Known for his compassion, warmth, and easy rapport with others, he was a caring presence for students and colleagues alike.
A passionate learner and creative spirit, Will was an avid photographer, writer, and bicyclist who also loved baseball—especially the Oakland A's—philosophical discussions, and sharing his deep knowledge of music and film. Friends fondly remember his humor, his garlic-growing prowess, and his long-distance cycling adventures.
Will cared deeply about student food security at Chico State and Butte-Glenn Community College, where he had attended. As a 2024-25 College Corps Fellow, he embodied the program's ideals of service and kindness.
He also set a personal goal of running a 5K in all 58 California counties, completing 12 races before taking medical leave earlier this year. Above all, he loved his family and lit up when talking about his nephews and niece.
Will is survived by his mother Kay Hudelson; his sister Theresa Baker-Beale; niece Kaylynn Baker-Beale; nephews Matthew and Calvin Beale; grandparents Margaret and Glen Baker; father and stepmother Robert and Sherrie Baker; half-sister Christy Baker; stepsister Casie Easterling; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Henry Rutledge, Jacqueline Rutledge and Carolyn Ornelas. As well as his uncles Andrew & Christopher "Chip" Rutledge, Michael, Loman & Nicholas West.
A celebration of life will be 1-3 p.m., January 31, 2026, at the Chico State BMU Auditorium. Donations may be made in his memory to the Chico State Basic Needs Project, reflecting his lifelong dedication to helping others.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Baker, please visit our flower store.
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