Ruth I. Baker

Ruth I. Baker, 88, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 3:55 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026 at her residence. She was born on February 12, 1937 in Lima, to Pearl & Grace (Turner) Hefner who preceded her in death. On March 29, 1958 she married Don C. Baker and he passed away on February 14, 2020.

She is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Fred) Lee of Wapakoneta, Melanie (Todd) Avery of Newark; four grandchildren, Jesse (Mandi) Dailey, Branden (Christine Vallieres) Lee, Zachary (Tina) Avery, Briana (Jack Goodwin) Nelson; and six great-grandchildren, Trevor, Sydney, Cael, Ledger, Lennox, Emma.

Ruth was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara (John) Nixon.

Ruth was involved in 4-H and graduated from Shawnee High School. She was very involved in the Uniopolis United Methodist Church. There she taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday school and was involved on their board. As her girls were growing up, she volunteered as a Brownie leader with the Girl Scouts and also as a 4-H advisor. She worked at the M&M Market, Uniopolis and then spent 12 years with her daughter at Darlee's Carryout.

In her free time, Ruth could be found reading and spending time with her cats and dogs. Outdoors, she enjoyed feeding the birds and watching for cardinals. Ruth was a baker and made many birthday cakes over the years. The greatest part of her life were the times she was surrounded by family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Josh Tissot officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery, Uniopolis. Family and friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Uniopolis Fire Department.