Joyce Baker

1941 - 2026

Joyce Lorraine Baker, affectionately known as "Gigi," passed away on January 3, 2026 in Boise. She will be missed by her family and friends, and by all those who enjoyed her bright red hair and ready smile in Gooding, Idaho.

Joyce was born on April 15, 1941, to Albert and LuRayne (Theil) Higley in Paul, Idaho. After elementary school in Paul and high school at Minico, she attended Idaho State College. In high school she was a majorette, and a delegate to Girl's State – a particular highlight of those years. As a young woman, Joyce worked as a bookkeeper in Pocatello and Burley, driving a much-loved MG (faster than strictly necessary!) to work and social events.

When Joyce was 22, Monty Baker swept into town from San Bruno, Calif. He and Joyce met on January 9, 1963 and were married in Reno, Nev. exactly one month later. A whirlwind two-year "honeymoon" followed, as Monty was buying and shipping lambs across the western states and Joyce loved being along for the ride.

The couple settled in Gooding in 1968, when Monty was recruited to run the meat-packing plant on the edge of town. While raising two children, Joyce worked at the Gooding Livestock Company, Spackman and France (CPA), and Jones and Basterrechea (CPA). She was a member of the Methodist Church, holding several positions, including youth leader and church treasurer. She also had a deep affection for her co-conspirators in the "Girls from Gooding Can-Can Dance" club, who together "had lots of fun and got into lots of trouble!"

Joyce and Monty spent the rest of their lives in Gooding, where she fondly remembered an abundance of love, laughter, and marvelous parties during those early years. Son Tom was born in 1965, and daughter Tanya arrived in 1971. The Bakers' giant, welcoming family room was soon filled with the kids' friends as well.

Those surviving (and missing) our Gigi include her son, Tom; her daughter, Tanya; her cherished son- and daughter-in-law, John and Alissa; and her treasured granddaughters, Camryn and Sydnee. Her loss is also deeply felt by her sister, Judy O'Donnell; and nieces, Tami (Kevin) and Tina; as well as grand-nephews, Patrick (Matt) and Ryan; sister-in-law, Patricia Rodriquez and brother-in-law, Willard Baker and their families; and all of her sweet friends in Gooding.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lamont (Monty) Baker; parents, Albert and LuRayne Higley; Monty's parents, Flenoy and Hilla Baker; and her dear brothers-in-law, Pat O'Donnell and Gil Rodriquez. We certainly hope that Monty, Pat and Gil have pulled up a chair and welcomed Gigi to what we imagine is a great party.

The family is planning a celebration of Gigi for Spring 2026 in Gooding, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to the National Scleroderma Foundation (scleroderma.org).