Barbara J Baker

On the evening of Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Barbara “Barb” Jean Baker found peace and joy as she entered the gates of heaven. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Barb was born on August 5, 1941 in Janesville, Wisconsin to Helen and Chester Campbell. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1964 where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Baker. They were married in August of 1964. It was Barb’s post college goal to work in the food industry but she quickly transitioned into the teaching field when she and Richard moved to Port Huron in 1964 due to a teacher shortage. Upon arrival in Port Huron, she was quickly hired by the Port Huron Area School District where she taught for 32 years. After retiring from the school district, she worked an additional 3 years as a Teacher Consultant with RESA. Barb also completed her Master’s Degree +30 hours in Education from Wayne State University with a degree in Learning Disabilities.

Barb and Dick were married for 58 years. Together they raised two children, Michael Richard and Elizabeth Ann, both born and raised in Port Huron.

She was a phenomenal cook, baker and a master gardener. Barb loved her flowers, birds and dogs. Barb had amazing friends with shared interests in quilting, sewing, rug hooking and volunteering in the community. For much of Barb’s life she volunteered and assisted struggling students with reading and literacy. She was the tutor trainer for the St. Clair County Literacy program, training volunteer tutors for struggling adults for over 15 years. Barb was actively involved in Earth Learner Adventures which brought the Earth-keeper Environmental Education program to St. Clair County.

Barb will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Richard; children, Michael (Jill) Baker and Elizabeth (Troy) Lutz; grandchildren, Jacob, Katherine and Wade Lutz; her sister, Judy (Monty) Pearson; brothers, John (Phyllis) Campbell, Chris (Christina) Campbell and Brad (Janet) Campbell; brother-in-law, Barry (Renee) Baker; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Helen and Chet Campbell; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Campbell.

Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk Street, Port Huron, Michigan.

A service celebrating Barb’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home (Barbara’s 82nd Birthday). Elder Dan Hanton and Pastor William Davis will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blue Water Area Humane Society or Friends of the St. Clair County Library - Port Huron/Main.

The family would like to thank the staff at Medilodge of Port Huron for their loving care and compassion for Barb while in their care.

We will hold you in our heart until we can hold you in heaven. We love you Barb-Mom-Grandma.