Lois Baker

Erma (Lois) Baker, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2023.
The oldest of three girls, Lois was born in Los Angeles, California to Erma and Allan Watson on August 21, 1935. Her sisters, Ruth and Mary, joined the family in 1942 and 1947.
Lois was raised in Glendale, California and attended local schools, graduating from Glendale High School in 1953. The Watsons were a musical family. Lois had a beautiful singing voice. She starred in college musicals and performed solos at various events. Her proudest moments came when she was singing with her father.
She met and married Richard (Dick) Henning on August 20, 1955. They had two children, Dan and Karen. The family enjoyed many years of camping, hiking, boating and water skiing.
She received her bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1957, and taught elementary school for forty years in Southern and Northern California. She was an ESL trained instructor, had her bilingual certificate and was principal of a private school in 1976.
Lois and Dick later divorced. In 1981, she married Richard (Rich) Baker and was blessed with four step children, Rick, Ed, Steven and Teresa. Lois and Rich traveled to Hawaii, Acapulco, Alaska, the East Coast, Canada, Ireland and several National Parks. In addition to their travels, they loved singing karaoke and playing golf. They moved to St. Louis in the mid 1990’s to be closer to Rich’s family.
Always a part of her church choirs, she was also a member of Whitney Women’s Chorale after she moved to Boise in 2006. She also sang with two Barbershop groups, Harmony, Inc. and Sweet Adelines.
In her later years she volunteered as activities director for nursing homes in both St. Louis and Boise. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. As a long time member of Hillview Methodist Church, she participated in choir and the Congregational Care Team. Lois was a testament to her faith. Her kindness and generosity will be missed.
Lois is survived by her sister, Mary (Dick), two granddaughters, Aundrea James (Josh) and Melinda Mouser (Ben), four step children, eight step grandchildren, her nephews, Bob Baker (Lynda), Mike Beglinger (Leigh), Matt Beglinger (Megan) and her niece, Gina Bastian (Bret).
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her sister, Ruth, and both of her children.
A memorial service will be held at Hillview Methodist Church on March 25, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hillview Methodist Church or MADD.