Ruth Baker

Ruth Baker STATESVILLE - Ruth Gant Baker passed away peacefully on August 18, 2013, at the Gordon Hospice House where she was loved, respected and tenderly cared for by the Hospice staff. Ruth was born June 6, 1927 in Alexander County to James T. and Fannie Fox Gant. She grew up in Taylorsville and graduated from Taylorsville High School, where she made many lifelong friends. She went on to graduate from Evans College in Hickory. Ruth met the love of her life, Robert, whom she married on November 20, 1949. They were married nearly 50 years till his passing on July 26, 1999. During their golden years, they loved to travel throughout the United States and attended many 4th Marine Division reunions. She was devoted to her family and especially to her grandchildren. She was a Girl Scout leader and as a mom, she only wanted her children to do their best. Ruth loved to cook and bake and was known for her delicious pound cakes and fudge. An avid card player, she played with her Canasta Club monthly for many years and with her Friday night ladies. Both groups were very kind to her so that she was able to continue to play and socialize with them. Ruth attended Front Street Baptist Church where she was a member of the Young at Heart, a former nursery worker, teacher, and Vacation Bible School worker. She loved her church and the many friends that she had there. As an owner and operator of Love 'n Care Day Care, she loved and helped to raise many of Iredell County's children. Their parents were able to work knowing that their children were well-cared for and happy. Ruth was predeceased by her parents and her loving husband, Robert, along with her brothers, Willis and Leonard Gant, and her sister Hessie G. Goble, and an infant sister. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Baker Hix and her husband Rick, along with their children, Allison Hix and Anna Gordon and her husband Matt. Her son Robert Baker, Jr. (Chip) and his wife, Fran, along with their children, Patrick and his wife, Jennifer, Stuart Baker, and Danica Baker, also survive. She was blessed with three great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Alivia Gordon and Maggie Baker. Two sisters-in-law, Juanita Gant and Madeline Gant survive, along with several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Gordon Hospice House staff and the third floor north of Iredell Memorial Hospital for the care they gave her. We would also like to thank Dr. Andy White and his staff, along with her caregivers Trish Dement, Jodi Grose and Sylvia Speaks. The family will receive friends at Front Street Baptist Church from 1:00-2:00 on Wednesday, August 21, followed by the funeral service at 2:00. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family asks that memorials be made to Front Street Baptist Church, the Gordon Hospice House or to the Alzheimer's Association. Nicholson Funeral Home of Statesville, NC is serving the family of Ruth Baker.