Dolores Mae Baker

Dolores Mae Baker passed away at her home on November 1, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2009 in the Free Methodist Church in Bonners Ferry. Burial will be held in the Grandview Cemetery. Dorie blessed us with her presence on May 15, 1937. Born in a house in the country at Moyie Springs, Idaho. Her parents were Ruby Irene LaFountain and Robert J. Chappell. In Dories’ early years she loved horseback riding and spending time with the Behrmans who lived up the road where Dorie grew up. At the age of 15 Dorie met Gene. In 1953 at age 16, they were married shot gun style. They lived a very full life at Porthill. From Bonners Ferry to Priest River, Great Falls to Lewistown, Montana then back to Bonners Ferry again where they raised family of 3 children: David born in 1955, Sherri Ann born in 1956 and Toni Marie born in 1959. Dorie had her three children and worked at the IGA Store for Jim Farber. After the kids were all in school Dorie had time on her hands, she then went back to school and became part of the first class to graduate from the hospital as a LPN. After graduation Dorie worked for Dr. Coram as his nurse for several years. Later Dorie went to work for Pack River Lumber Co., and later W.I. Forest Products. With her 1st pay check from Pack River she took her daughters Sherri and Toni and bought them 10-speed bikes. It took every penny of her check and it made her so happy. After several years working as secretary for the mill, Dorie went to work for Attorney Randy Day. Dorie was hard working and always took pride in what she did. After years, Gene decided it was time to retire, so Dorie quit her job. They purchased a motor home and began traveling. But the love of family and the blessings of the 7 grandchildren: Jeremy Baker, Christopher, Brittany and Nicholas Schave, Duane, Tyson and Chanalea Pennock, brought them home often. Family was everything to Dorie and she didn’t want to miss a moment of their lives. The love she showed to all of us will carry on for generations. So many sitting here today have been blessed to be part of our family; our homes, hearts and arms will always be open to you all. Dorie came out of retirement in 1982 and went to work as secretary for Attorney Pete Wilson for 20 years. A few of her accomplishments included running the Bonners Ferry blood bank, heading the all-class reunion, member of the WHS women’s clinical trials and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies include crocheting, knitting, quilting, and reading. Blessed with two great grandsons, Layne Andrew Pauling and Isaiah Duane Pennock. A third grandson is expected in December, Easton Eugene. If we could ask Dorie today what was her greatest accomplishment and joy through her life, without a thought she would tell it was her family. Surviving Dorie is her son David and grandson Jeremy (Kaycee) Baker; daughter Sherri Ann (Greg) Carter and children Christopher, Brittany and Nicholas Schave; daughter Toni Marie (Larry) Pennock, son Tyson (Liz) and grandson Isaiah and daughter Chanalea and grandson Layne Pauling; grand-daughter Jennifer and Matthew Brakeman, Sister Sharon (Steve) Bruno; six brothers, Ron and Mick Chappell; Gary Mercer (Jan); sister-in-law Carol Pluid; cousin and best friends Marla and Gary Bohne; many nieces the nephews dear to her heart. Dorie was preceded in death were beloved husband, Gene and grandson Duane Pennock. Also by her mother, Ruby LaFountain, father, Robert Chappell, brothers Don and Jimmy Mercer, brother-in-law Buster Pluid and great grandmother Vi Kestler. Many more were there to welcome her home. This is a brief summary of Dorie’s full and blessed life. All who knew her knew what a hard and dedicated worker she was. She was ready when ever God was ready to take her home. Family and friends are invited to sign Dorie’s online guest book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home, Inc.