Janet Esther Baker

Janet Esther Baker, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Janet, 82, of Eaton Rapids, was born March 15, 1943, in Grand Ledge, the daughter of Marvin and Gladys (Highlen) Kelley of Charlotte, Michigan. On November 18, 1966, Janet married Ronald Baker and together spent the next 59 years creating their family legacy.

Janet worked as a legal secretary for a law firm in Charlotte fresh out of high school and then the Michigan Farm Bureau prior to her starting a family. She made her children a top priority and proudly took care of the family needs while their children were younger. Janet later worked as a real estate agent before becoming a licensed builder.

Raised on a family farm, she developed a love for riding horses, an appreciation for the outdoors, and an understanding of the importance of hard work. She loved animals and helped rescue and foster many abandoned animals throughout her lifetime. Janet also enjoyed and had talents for crocheting, tatting, playing the piano and mandolin, cooking, working in her flower gardens, and spending time with her granddaughter.

Janet is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Julie Baker; son, Ron Baker and his wife, Joanne Baker; granddaughter, Niki Baker; sisters, Betty Feintuch, Tammy Kelley, and Linda Adams; dear lifelong friends, Karen McGlaughlin and Rosemary Parker; and her beloved rescue cat, Cali, and pony, Misty Dawn. She was predeceased by her parents; and brothers, Leonard Kelley and Fred Kelley.

Friends are encouraged to support Janet's family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com < http://www.prayfuneral.com/ >. A private graveside service will be held at Needmore Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her name to Richland Animal Rescue at www.richlandanimalrescue.org < http://www.richlandanimalrescue.org/ >.