Verna Baker

1927 - 2025

Verna Lorraine Baker passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Everett, Washington. She was 98. Her family and friends were present at her passing.

Verna was born September 12, 1927, in Spokane, Washington. She was the daughter of Ann Grace Couch Anthony and Vernon Richard Anthony.

Throughout her youth and into adulthood, Verna was surrounded by dogs: Cappy, Clipper, Tony, Snooks, Puddles, Tess, Charlie, Pilar, and Troy. She loved them all.

Verna was a member of Jobs Daughters Bethel #1 Spokane, Washington and was Honored Queen from December 1946 to June 1947.

In 1950, Verna graduated from Holy Names University in Oakland, California with a bachelor's degree in English Literature.

Verna married Jack Alden Baker on November 18, 1950, in Berkeley, California. In 1952 Verna and her husband Jack moved to Mercer Island and later to Bellevue where they worked and raised their children. Verna was an administrator for the Rena Ware Company in Bellevue. She was very interested in art and volunteered at the Panaca Gallery in Bellevue.

When Jack retired in 1984, they moved to Soap Lake, Washington and enjoyed winters in Arizona and Mexico. When Verna retired, she decided to learn to weave. As with everything she did, she devoted an extensive amount of time studying and experimenting with color and design. She bought a desk loom and produced colorful, woven, kitchen towels, rugs and beautiful vests.

Verna was a member of the Lakeview Golf and Country Club in Soap Lake, Washinton. She had a wonderful time playing golf in the Women's League. She loved the game of golf.

Verna's husband Jack passed away in 1999, and she moved to Edmonds, Washington to be closer to her children. She lived in a condominium in Lynnwood, Washington for 23 years which she so enjoyed, and she remained independent playing duplicate bridge in Edmonds, Everett and Mill Creek. She was an avid and competitive bridge player into her nineties.

Verna was a voracious reader and had a dry and witty sense of humor. She would frequently quiz us on the renowned New Yorker cartoons to see if we had understood the subtle humor.

She is survived by her daughter, Melinda Baker of Lynnwood, Washington, her son, Robert Baker in Seattle, and son-in-law William Woo of San Francisco, and two granddaughters; Michaella Woo, her husband Geoff Burks, Vanessa Woo, and her husband Lukas Tjoelker.

There will be a private family service. Memorials may be made to the Edmonds Waterfront Center, Edmonds, Washington, Evergreen Health Hospice or a charity of choice.