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BORN
1950
DIED
2025
Zona Baker Obituary
The second of four children, Zona was born on February 9, 1950, in Lodi, CA. Growing up, Zona attended schools in Lodi playing the French horn in her high school marching band. Zona attended college at Bethany University in Scotts Valley, where she earned her teaching degree and met her future husband, Dan Baker.
Zona spent most of her post-school life in Modesto, CA, dedicated to educating children, teachers and school administrators at both public and private schools, including at Modesto Christian School, Empire Union School District and the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Zona possessed a passion for reading development and helped create and implement programs for improving children's reading comprehension and for educating others to do the same.
She was also a devoted wife, mother to two sons and eventually a grandmother to four grandchildren. Zona was a lover of the outdoors and regularly dragged her family on camping excursions throughout California State and National Parks, with the Yosemite Valley being her favorite. She also shared a passion for hiking and bird watching in the Central Valley's many wetlands.
In retirement, never the person to just sit still, Zona picked up a severe travel bug, traveling throughout five different continents with friends and family, including visits to Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji, Italy, Germany, Greece, Namibia, Norway, South Africa and many others. When not wandering the globe, Zona enjoyed gardening, visiting with friends and family, and staying closely involved with her church, Neighborhood Church in Modesto. Friends and family will remember her for her deep faith, empathy for everyone, take-charge attitude, sense of humor, and love for all her friends and family.
She is survived by her mother, Doris Brodehl, brother Leland Brodehl, sister Brenda Melendez, her two sons, Brian Baker and Justin Baker, two daughters-in-law, Molly and Fernanda, and four grandchildren, Naia, Noah, Lillian and Sofia.
A celebration of her life will be held on February 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Neighborhood Church at 5921 Stoddard Road, Modesto, CA 95356.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Zona Baker
Sponsored by ModestoBee.com.
Cosmina- Dignity Senior Living
February 5, 2026
Zona, "like Arizona" she´d say.
We will deeply miss you at the carehome. Zona was a true representation of what a devoted believer should be. She carried herself with grace and possessed the ability to sense those in need of love, prayer, and someone to rely on. Despite the daily battles she fought, Zona was always ready to face the next challenge. Her prayers provided comfort, strength and peace to everyone around her.
We were blessed to have known Zona and although her passing breaks our heart, her memory will forever be cherished.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences are extended to her children, grandchildren and close friends. She was blessed to have you all in her life.
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Naja Frowein
February 3, 2026
I loved Zona she was a pen pal, part of my church family, prayer partner and we always enjoyed a good laugh. I miss her already. I know she heard those beautiful words "well done, good and faithful servant" and that makes me smile
Connie Tate
January 31, 2026
We mourn the loss of Zona Baker, an extraordinary educator and tireless champion of literacy. Her commitment to children, teachers, and administrators changed lives. Deepest condolences to her family and all who were touched by her life.
Karen & Steve Butler
January 29, 2026
Zona was a very dear and special person. Our family was extremely blessed over many years by her love and sacrificial giving of her time and energy for our family. She loved our four children like her own. Our son, Paul, was thrilled to be included several times in their family camping trips. Both our sons spent many fun summer afternoons at Zona´s house playing in the pool with Brian and Justin. Of course, there would always be snacks and treats, too! Our two daughters considered Zona their aunt, in fact she called herself "Auntie Zoe" to them. Zona´s love knew no bounds! The time she spent with our girls, and the kindness she poured out on them for years, are things not ever forgotten. There was never a time when Zona was "too busy" to spend time with the girls, or help us with caring for them when we needed help. We had no family in Modesto, but the Lord used Zona (and Dan) to fill that empty space for us. How thankful and grateful we are for them! Our friendship with Zona continued long distance when we moved away from Modesto. All of our children, now grown, will always have happy memories of Zona, and she will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Steve and I will always remember her with love and gratitude. We know she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus now, and will receive her well-deserved rewards from Him. We send our love and deepest condolences to Brian and Justin, and all Zona´s family.
Love, Karen and Steve Butler
Sheri Biasca
January 28, 2026
I am so saddened to hear about Zona's passing. I always enjoyed seeing her at Stanislaus State. She was a breath of fresh air - always smiling and with words of encouragement and positivity. Loved her laugh! Such a sweet soul. She truly was a gem. I was blessed to have known her. May her loved ones find peace and strength during this difficult time.
Karen Harris
January 27, 2026
Zona was such a fun, loving and compassionate teacher, trainer and friend. Her positive spirit guided and encouraged all those she led to do the same. I am saddened by her death but grateful for having the privilege of knowing her and being blessed by her guidance in teaching and love for students. She will be missed so much!
Julie Sarina
January 26, 2026
My initial encounter with Zona occurred at a Women's Ministry event, where she was the guest speaker. At that time, I was a young mother and relatively new to the church community. The core of Zona's message was derived from Matthew 6:19-21, emphasizing her and Dan's daily commitment to storing treasures in heaven. Zona was an exceptional teacher and mentor, and I
Was blessed to benefit from knowing her. I believe she is now receiving her reward in heaven. My deepest condolences to you her family. May the Lord comfort you.
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