Janet BAKER

1938 - 2021

While her family surrounded her with music and love, Janet Lee (VanHollebeke) Baker peacefully passed away on October 14th. She faced the end of her journey with the strength, grace and dignity that were her hallmarks in life. One of eight children of Gladys and Felix VanHollebeke, Janet was born on February 24th, 1938 in Walla Walla. She was raised on a wheat farm in Kahlotus, Washington, where began her love of nature and the peaceful solitude she found in the wide open spaces.

While attending the University of Washington, she met Beryl Von Baker. They married and lived in the Seattle area until 1965 when they moved to the oasis where they would raise their five children. It was known as the Gardenspot Ranch, north of Deer Park. A devoted mother and wife, Janet instilled her children with a love of nature and adventure, and supported the family business not only in a domestic role, but also with her capable and keen business sense. The loss of two sons, Thomas in 1985, and James in 1986, devastated the whole family. Janet carried on for her husband and three children, keeping the family together through these crises.

Janet was instrumental in seeing that some of the lands the family acquired and loved could be preserved for future generations when she joined her late husband, Beryl, in arranging for their protection through the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. She also volunteered at several nonprofit organizations in the Spokane area, where she eventually settled, and was an active member of Audubon Methodist Church. When not preparing one of her beloved recipes for a family gathering, or enjoying her lunch and shopping trips to Nordstrom, Janet loved to read. Her inquisitiveness was always evident in conversation, and her thirst for knowledge never waned.

Janet is survived by her children, Michael Baker, Alison Baker, and Scott (Cheri) Baker; her grandchildren Matthew Wolf, Tom Wolf, JoLynn Bryant, Alex Wolf, Aislinn Baker, Hannah Woodiwiss, Audrey Baker, Dylan Baker, Linden Baker, Hayes Baker, and 12 great grandchildren. As the quiet matriarch of this Baker clan, Janet delighted in spending time with all the youngsters and always had a supply of chocolate on hand for them, making her house very popular for a visit.

The family would like to thank her many friends for their contributions to Janet's happiness, especially Sam and Jeanette, and the many employees at Nordstrom who looked forward to seeing her there on a regular basis. Janet was a consummate shopper, always presenting herself with style, good taste, and a warm smile.

Services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on October 30th, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., with burial and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Spokane or the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy.