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BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Beverly Baker Obituary
May 9, 1940 - June 9, 2025
Merced, California - Beverly Ann "Bev" Baker (née Kehr), age 85, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Merced, California. Born on May 9, 1940, in Winfield, Kansas, Bev lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Bev graduated from Udall High School in Udall, Kansas in 1958 and went on to complete secretarial school in Wichita in 1959. These early steps laid the foundation for a remarkable career of service and leadership. In 1971, she began her tenure with the Welfare Department of Merced County. Over the next three decades, Bev's commitment to helping others was evident as she rose from working in Commodities to becoming an Eligibility Worker and eventually a supervisor. Her work ethic and empathy touched countless lives.
In 1993, Bev joined the MAGIC team-an initiative that revolutionized the Merced County Welfare System through automation. Her role in this transformation reflected not only her adaptability but also her forward-thinking approach to public service. She retired in 2003 after more than thirty years of dedicated service.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bev was deeply involved in her community and church. A devoted member of Atwater United Methodist Church, she served faithfully on numerous committees including Finance and SPRC. She also held various roles within the Methodist Women of Faith organization. Her tireless support and leadership were hallmarks of her spiritual life.
Bev's personal life was rich with joy and connection. She shared many happy years with her beloved husband Raymond E. Baker. Early in their marriage, they enjoyed square dancing and bowling leagues together-activities that reflected their shared love for fun and friendship. They also delighted in traveling, especially cruises and trips with friends.
She found great pleasure in reading, watching movies and good television shows, and spending time with those she loved. Bev especially cherished her regular gatherings with the "Lunch Bunch," where laughter and camaraderie were always on the menu.
Bev is lovingly remembered by her eldest daughter Rae Ann (Baker) Armstrong and husband Paul; her youngest daughter Lorri Baker; grandchildren Clint Armstrong (Maria), Victoria (Armstrong) Smith (Daniel), Vivien (Armstrong) Taylor (Justin), and Lionel Armstrong (Skye); as well as ten great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her later years.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lionel and Julia Kehr; her husband Raymond E. Baker; and granddaughter Marjorri Armstrong.
Those who knew Bev will remember her as incredibly generous, empathetic, highly organized, faithful, and both a leader and servant at heart. She had a ready laugh-whether at a friend's joke or at herself when caught in a silly moment-and an enduring warmth that made everyone feel welcome.
Beverly Ann "Bev" Baker leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and humor that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her presence will be deeply missed by family, friends, neighbors, church members, and the broader community she so faithfully served.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
A Visitation will be held on June 24, 2025, from 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM
at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, Inc.
1290 Winton Way
Atwater, CA 95301
A Memorial Service will be held on June 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
at Atwater United Methodist Church
2550 Linden Street
Atwater, CA 95301
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM
at Arnold Barn
8250 Fruitland Ave.,
Winton, CA 95388
**an open mic will be available for Bev's friends and family to share fond memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Beverly's name to any of the following:
Atwater United Methodist Church
2550 Linden Street
Atwater, CA 95301
Shriners Children's Hospital
c/o Office of Philanthropy
2900 N. Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
or on-line at
https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/
American Heart Association
Donate on-line at
https://www.heart.org/en/why-give
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Baker
Nellene Lemmon
June 30, 2025
My sympathy to Beverly's family and dear friends. Since I was involved every Sunday in directing the choir, I did not get to know Beverly well. However, I heard many, many good things that Bev. did.
May God bless you all, Nellene Lemmon in Wellington, Co.
Emily Zunino
June 28, 2025
Rest in peace dear friend. It is a comfort to think that you and Ray are together again, and
enjoying a grand reunion.
I am grieving with and for
your family and sending
my love and prayers to them all.
Jan Bradley
June 22, 2025
Rest on in Paradise my dear friend. You have blessed so many over your years of service with the County and in your charitable works. I remember you from our agency days. To the family - i want you to know that Bev made an impact in my life. She was a comfort when I lost my sons. I am in AZ so sadly I can not come to the services.
Maggie Salles
June 20, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Tony and Rita Kidd
June 18, 2025
We worked with Bev from the mid-70s and early-80s respectively to the early 2000s. She was a good friend/colleague. She touched so many lives...Merced County was lucky to employ Bev Baker!
Stan Schroeder
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed working with Bev at the MAGIC site for many years. I played softball with her husband Ray. Great couple! Some of the MAGIC team would get together for lunches and dinners before and after retirement and I sorely miss these now. I recently lost my own mother so I know how hard it is to go on without someone you loved dearly. I pray God gives the family the comfort they need even as they comfort each other knowing that Bev has "graduated" from this mortal life to her eternal one. Shalom Bev.
American Heart Association
June 17, 2025
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Cheryl Hendricks
June 16, 2025
Rest in peace, my friend. I pray God's peace and comfort for your family.
Roxanne Hand
June 16, 2025
Mrs. Baker and her husband were a huge staple in the lives of my siblings and me during holidays. We looked forward to driving around the corner from our family home to see their holiday yard decorations. She will be missed. May she rest in paradise with our Lord and savior.
The Staff of Wilson Family Chapel
June 16, 2025
The Staff and Wilson Family Chapel wishes to extend their sympathy and their assistance for this time of need.
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