Jerene Ruth Baker

Jerene Ruth Baker, of Holland was called home to her Lord and Savior on August 5, 2025, at the age of 97. Jerene was born at home in Jamestown on September 27, 1927 to Gerrit and Mary (Nyenhuis) Baker.

Jerene, the last remaining of her siblings, shared an unbreakable bond with her dear sister Eleanor. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, traveling far and wide, creating many cherished memories.

A pioneer businesswoman in Grand Rapids, Jerene blazed trails for future generations of women in the workplace. Her career was marked by a dedication to excellence and a commitment to community; values that she cultivated through her career and even after retirement during her work with the Freedom Village marketing department. There, she found joy in welcoming new residents with baskets brimming with warmth and goodwill, a small gesture that spoke volumes about her character.

Jerene's Christian faith was the cornerstone of her existence. It guided her every action and shone brightly in her service to others.

Jerene's hands were rarely still, as she poured her creativity into teaching sewing to 4H girls for 15 years. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of the countless garments she helped create. Knitting and crocheting were more than hobbies for Jerene; they were acts of service. She crafted prayer shawls, hats, and blankets for babies in hospitals, each stitch a prayer and a blessing.

Her generosity knew no bounds. Jerene kept in close contact with the charities she supported, ensuring that her contributions were making a difference. Her actions were a living embodiment of her faith-filled spirit, a spirit that will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she touched.

Jerene was a cherished member of several choirs, including the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Choir of Praise, the Zeeland Civic Chorus, and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Choir.

But, Jerene's love for music extended beyond singing; Jerene was also a talented pianist. Her appreciation for the arts also included attending many concerts and theater performances.

Jerene was most thankful for God's gift of family. She dearly loved each of her nieces, nephews, grands, and great grands and was always eager to hear the news of their lives.The joy of watching her grand nieces and nephews play sports was a highlight of her retirement. She was genuinely interested in each family member's jobs, hobbies and challenges.

Jerene is survived by her nephews and nieces: Randy (Dianna) Baker, Dr. Rodney (Jean) Baker, Rochelle (Bill) Lettinga, Rolene (Mark) Hasper, Dr. Reed (Sharon) Baker, Gail (Ron) Diemer, Suzanne (David) Drew, Doug (Beth) Baker, Daniel (Julie) Baker, Timothy (Jennifer) Baker; several great and great-great nephews and nieces; sister-in-law Ruth Baker. She was preceded in death by her dear father and mother, Gerrit and Mary Baker; sister, Eleanor Baker; brother and sister- in- law Dr. Robert and Vivian Baker, and brother Henry Baker.

Relatives and friends may meet with Jerene's family on Friday, August 15 from 1 PM to 2 PM at Freedom Village where a funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM, Rev. Chad Pierce officiating. Interment Jamestown Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to World Renew.

Psalm 92:12-15 perfectly describes Jerene's remarkable life. "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."