Ieda Baker

It is with deep sorrow and great love that we mourn the passing of Ieda Baker of Dry Branch, Estill County Kentucky on January 19, 2026, at the age of 90.

Ieda was affectionately known as Granny by a host of people and 'Little Darlin' by her husband. She will be remembered for her loving presence, her dedication to her family, her love of flowers, gardening and especially cooking. Her biscuits and chocolate cakes were always a special treat! She had a servants heart and delighted in sharing her work and creations with others. Ieda was preceded in death by the love of her life, Sampson Baker, who entered his rest on 6 April 2005 after 53 years of marriage. Ieda spoke often of her anticipation of being reunited with Sampson in a new life in heaven.

Ieda was born on February 9, 1935 in a coal camp called Bluefield in Letcher County Kentucky. At an early age she moved with her family to nearby Ulvah and later to Millstone, all in Letcher County, KY where she was raised. Ieda was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe and Sarah Breeding, by 2 sisters Lorene and Loretta and by 4 brothers June, Jack, Ed and Archie. She is survived by 2 sisters Mae and Charlotte, as well as 2 brothers JD and Jimmy.

Ieda and Sampson were married in Letcher County, but moved to Estill County after a few years. It was here they raised 9 children - Bonnie (Durward), Sam (Martha), Nancy (Ray-deceased), Shelia, Peggy, David, Gary (Karen), Clifton (Melanie) and Amanda (Jon). In all they had 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren (soon to be 34) and 3 great-great grandchildren (soon to be 4). They were preceded in death by one grandchild, Rachel Brown. To their grandchildren and great-grandchildren they were known as Granny and Poppy Baker. They were celebrated as a great source of love and wisdom by all of their family.

Ieda retired from Carhartt in Irvine after many years. It was hard work, but she loved her coworkers and appreciated the job and the opportunities it provided. She was especially grateful for the Adult Education Class which Carhartt sponsored for their employees. She was very proud that she was able to earn her high school diploma in her 50's after dropping out of high school to start her family. She was proud to tell people she worked at Carhartt.

Most of Ieda's adult life was lived in Estill County. While her passion was her family, she also loved sewing, quilting, gardening and crafting with Sampson. She entered many sewing projects in the county fair, often winning blue ribbons for projects like her Raggedy Ann or Primitive dolls.

Gardening was a necessity to help feed her large family, but it was much more to Ieda; she loved growing plants, not just for food, but also for beauty. Her gardens were full of vegetables and her yard a riot of color from the many flowers and herbs she loved so dearly and tended so carefully.

Ieda was a woman of quiet faith and her Lord has been a deep and abiding presence with her throughout her life. It was important to her that her family be in church, because she wanted her children and grandchildren to know Jesus. She attended South Irvine Baptist Church with her family for many years and later Ieda and Sampson attended Ivory Hill Baptist Church. It was there Sampson was baptized and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

While preparing this obituary we searched her bible trying to discern what she might have held to be an important passage, we discovered that she had written a note above the 23rd Psalm, simply the word "favorite" and underlined each line of scripture. Much of her own life is reflected in that passage as she found strength and comfort with the Lord, even in the hardest of times. Her note also represents a legacy to her family, a last bit of loving advice, to help them in their own times of trouble.

Ieda was known for her generous and loving heart, she was a hard worker who never complained about her lot. She shared whatever she had with anyone who had needs. She loved sewing and made many, many gifts for family and friends. She especially enjoyed making stuffed animals and dolls, many of which were donated to causes that were important to Granny Baker or others in her family.

Her love has touched the lives of many people; as her children and grandchildren grew up and moved out into the world they returned often, sometimes bringing friends from across the country and even from other parts of the world. Granny welcomed them all with a full measure of love and acceptance, people from far away, people of different races, different ethnicities and different cultures. She welcomed them, fed them and loved them, simply expressing her essential nature.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice Care Plus, 350 Isaacs Lane, Richmond, KY 40475.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, January 22, 1 PM, at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Pearson and Bro. Marvin Neal officiating. Burial will be at the Baker Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6 to 9 PM.

Pallbearers are Ieda's Grandsons Don Baker, Cliff Baker, Matt Baker, Gavin Hale, Mason Drake, Brandon Beeler, Chris Griffin, Dave Baker Jr and Jeremy Baker.