Valerie Baker

     
A celebration of the life of Valerie Baker will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Catoosa Public Schools Activity Center.

Valerie passed away on Monday, December 22, 2014. She was 55.
     
Born in Tulsa on February 24, 1959 to Ronald and Evelyn (Ross) McMillan, Valerie was reared in the Timber Ridge area of Catoosa and attended Catoosa Public Schools.

In her first grade class she met the boy who would become the man of her dreams, Jimmy Baker. Years later she would marry Jimmy at her parents’ home on February 22, 1980.

Their union was blessed with three children, all of whom attended Catoosa Public Schools and even had the same first grade classroom that their mother and father shared. 
     
Valerie was a wonderful wife and mother. She loved her family and always took excellent care of each of them. Valerie supported her children in all their extracurricular activities and attended all their softball, football, baseball and basketball games to cheer them on.

When grandchildren came along, the name “Gam” became music to her ears. She adored all of her family and enjoyed spending time with them at Flat Rock on Fort Gibson Lake and at the Baker’s ten acres. 
     
A teacher at heart, Valerie completed her higher education earning a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and began her teaching career.

As a teacher for Catoosa Public Schools, Valerie impacted the lives of countless children by giving them an invaluable education.

She was instrumental in implementing the Pre-K program at Catoosa Public Schools. Valerie was a tutor and role model for many children she taught over her tenure. 
   
With many interests and hobbies to keep her busy, Valerie spent her free time reading, quilting and gardening. When her daughters’ weddings came around, Valerie worked tirelessly to perfectly manicure her landscape with beautiful roses and other flowers.

Always one to worry about everyone else, Valerie never thought of herself first. She was a selfless and caring individual who everyone loved.

Valerie was very active with her beloved church family at Catoosa Church of Christ and she often volunteered to teach Vacation Bible School and Bible classes. 
     
This loving wife, daughter, mother and grandmother will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Valerie is survived by her husband Jimmy Baker; children Jessica McConnell and husband Brad, Megan Sakewicz and husband Joe, and Evan Baker and wife Jessi Rae;

grandchildren Reid McConnell, Dalaney Sakewicz, Molly McConnell, Easton Sakewicz and another grandbaby on the way in August;

parents Ronald and Evelyn McMillan; mother-in-law Phylis Baker; sisters Karin McMillan, Pam Wood and husband Scott; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Valerie was preceded in death by her grandmothers Tressie Porterfield and Norene Ross, her favorite aunt Phyllis Grimm, uncle Jim Ross and father-in-law Paul Baker.
     
In lieu of flowers or other condolences please consider making a donation in Valerie’s name to the Catoosa Education Foundation at PO Box 1890, Catoosa, OK 74015.