Joyce Baker

Joyce Gayle Baker, 91, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed peacefully on January 2, 2026 surrounded by loving support from her daughter and two nieces at her bedside. Born in 1934 in Mounds, Oklahoma to John and Edith Muirheid, she was the fourth child in a family of five children.
Gayle met John Q. Baker in Tempe Arizona and they married in October 1952 after a month of courtship. Wholly devoted to each other and their children through thick and thin, they raised five children into successful adults. Her delicious and nutritious culinary creations marked the center of family time at the dinner table.
Gayle loved people and savored every moment with family and friends to the fullest. Gayle generously offered an ear to listen when others needed a friend to talk to. Her caring heart, practical wisdom and witty sense of humor lifted the hearts of all who met her.
Gayle also enjoyed sewing (afghans, dolls, and clothes which she gave as gifts), working crossword puzzles and reading. She read textbooks to John as a study helper while he pursued his education and also read novels for her own relaxation.
Gayle loved playing games with family and friends. All that reading expanded her vocabulary so far as to make it nearly impossible to best her in scrabble!
A housekeeper extraordinaire, she managed five busy young lives and still kept a sparkling clean home.
Gayle also was an outstanding administrator managing John's office after their children left home.
After John's passing in 1995, Gayle enjoyed as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She is survived by her five children, twelve grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Services will be private.
Donations in memory of Gayle can be made to:
Hospice of the Valley
16117 N 76th Street
Scottsdale AZ 85260