Miriam Shenk Baer

Miriam Grace Shenk Baer, 100, of Harrisonburg, VA, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Warsack House, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She was born in Newport News, VA on November 15, 1925, and was the 9th of 10 children to Levi J. and Amanda (Yoder) Shenk.

On April 29, 1949, she married Daniel F. Baer, who passed away on October 13, 2016. They lived in Newport News, VA, Sarasota, FL, and Harrisonburg, VA, where they were faithful members of Warwick River Mennonite, Tuttle Ave Mennonite, and Lindale Mennonite churches. She and her husband moved to Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community in 1997.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Daniel, her siblings, Mabel, Wilmer, Homer, Lester (Ethel Harris), Mary Florence, Margaret, Mildred (Sylvanus Moyer), and John (Evelyn Landis), brothers-in-law, Joseph Baer and Ernest Godshall, and her parents. Surviving is her sister Martha S. Godshall and sister-in-law Mary Baer Martin and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

She graduated from Eastern Mennonite School, Harrisonburg, VA, in 1943 and worked as a secretary at the school for 3 years, and then 5 years as church secretary at Warwick River Mennonite Church, followed by years as secretary at the public library in Sarasota, FL, until age 62.

Miriam is remembered by many as a lovely gracious gentle sweet lady with a ready smile to greet anyone. She had a quiet faith and loved singing and playing hymns on her pump organ. She raised gorgeous African violets, cross-stitched numerous embroidery quilts and other projects, enjoyed birdwatching, and was a very hospitable hostess, serving tea to many friends, family and visitors. Her extended family honored her by celebrating her 100th birthday with her at VMRC this past November.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at VMRC for all their loving care and kindness shown to her during her later years. In gratitude for her life and as a faithful way to serve God and humanity, she chose to donate her body to science.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, 1552 South High Street, Harrisonburg, VA. Live and recorded service will be available on Harrisonburg Mennonite Church's YouTube channel.

Memorial contributions can be made to VMRC Compassion Fund, 1501 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.