Martha Baker

Martha Marie Baker, the daughter of Anthony Francis and Pauline Elizabeth (Thompson) Baker, was born on July 5, 1953 in Creston, Iowa. Martha entered eternal rest on November 10, 2014 at her home at Midwest Opportunities Inc. in Corning, Iowa at the age of sixty-one years, four months, and five days.
Martha has lived in Creston, Red Oak, Afton, and Corning. She attended Kindergarten at Lincoln School with Miss Agnew for three years, and then completed Special Education classes in 1968 with Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Brotherton. She moved to Red Oak and worked for Nishna Valley Productions in Shenandoah for a brief time in the early 1980’s. She then moved to C.A.R.E. in Afton and worked at Innovative Industries which she thoroughly enjoyed for twenty-six years. In 2010, Martha moved to Corning and resided at Midwest Opportunities Inc.
Martha participated in Area and State Special Olympics of Iowa for many years. She competed in the softball throw and received a first place medal during competition. She received several medals in other events, including the Fast Walk Run Winner in 2009. Martha also competed in bowling and track and field. She loved being around her family and loved animals, especially dogs. Martha enjoyed coloring throughout her life; and when she was younger she was taught to embroider.
Left to cherish Martha’s memory are her sisters: Mary (Mark) O’Riley, Creston; and Joan (John) Nyberg, Irving, TX; her brothers: Mike (June) Baker, Creston; and Joe (Jaycene) Baker, Altoona, IA; her nieces and nephews: Matt (Shannon) O’Riley and children Jacob, Dan, Jessica, and Dalton; Travis Adair and daughter Katie; and Alisha Peckham and son Chantz, all of Creston; Melissa Nyberg and son Dylan Roberts and Heather Nyberg and daughter Averie Doyle of Irving, TX; Jack (Laily) West of Winterset; Brian (Robin) West of Winterset; Brandon (Courtney) West of Greenfield; Mike Baker and son Ashton, and Aerica Baker (significant other, Paul Shutt) and children Rhiannon, Eric, Giada, Roman, and Leo of Des Moines, IA; Ben (Melissa) Hall and children Quinton and Harper, of Waukee; Elyssa and Jarren Halstead and children Beila and Drake, of Grinnell; and Summer Hall (and Ryan Meyer) of Des Moines. Also surviving are numerous cousins and her loving family at Midwest Opportunities Inc. of Corning.
Preceding Martha in death were her father on June 10, 1981; her mother on November 21,1994; and her niece, Misty West, on November 5, 2000.