Sara Baker

1932 - 2016

Sara Wiker Baker passed away February 16, 2016 in Montrose, Colorado. Sara was born in Douglas, Wyoming on June 28, 1932 to the late Agnes and Wesley Wiker. She lived for many years in Sheridan, Wyoming, Athens, Ohio, and Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by both parents and by her son, Wesley Gradin. She is survived by three daughters, Susan Hickle (Gordon), Sherrie Gradin, and Cindy Gradin, by her sister Nina Wiker, by her loyal dog Violet, and by many close friends across the country, stretching from Athens, Ohio, to Montrose, Colorado, to Douglas, Wyoming, to Portland, Oregon and places in between. She embodied love and compassion. Sara loved animals and wildlife, the beauty of nature, and the transformative power of music and song. Along with her sisters in song of the Calliope (Athens) and Aurora (Portland) feminist choirs, she believed in the power of women's voices to move the world toward love and peace and justice. She loved to sing with the church choirs at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Portland, the Christ Lutheran Church in Athens, and the Congregational United Church of Christ in Douglas. She had strong faith and hope, believing in the power of her church communities to work toward eliminating suffering, hunger, and hatred. She was a tireless protector of animals, a speaker of truth, and an activist for change. Sara had an amazing ability to make friends wherever she was, not just acquaintances, but friends of the heart and soul. Sara was kind, loyal, caring, and passionate. She was a model of how to live life with grace and dignity. Her friends and family say good-bye with deep sorrow, but also with a sense of hope for a better future for which she worked so tirelessly.

Sara wished for contributions to be made to any of the following: My Sister's Paws, Southern Poverty Law Center of Montgomery, AL , the Center for Whale Research of Friday Harbor, Washington, or HopeWest Hospice Care of Montrose, Colorado.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 9922 Bostwick Park Rd., Montrose, CO 81401.