Patricia Ann Baker passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2012, at the age of sixty-seven, following an extended illness. She was born on Groundhog's Day, 1945, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Her sister tells the story that she was given the nickname, Dusty because she ate dust off the coffee table.
Dusty graduated from Leggett Valley High School in 1962 and the University of Southern California in 1971. After meeting the love of her life, she declared I'm gonna marry that man! and proceeded to pick out her wedding ring before Gale even had a chance to propose. Dusty and Gale were married on January 8, 1972 in Reno, Nevada.
During college Dusty worked as a waitress and Sears Associate. After arriving in Del Norte county in 1971, she was employed as a social worker, opened her own business, Patricia's Four Seasons with her mother, Patricia Stilwell, and checked at Safeway. Prior to retirement she was employed by the County of Del Norte as Judge Weir's secretary.
Her passion was food shopping, preparation, cooking. She enjoyed trying out new recipes from cookbooks, the internet or the cooking channels.
Dusty is survived by her husband of forty years, Gale Baker, sister, Barbara Freeman, nephews Ryan Freeman and Kyle Freeman, and numerous other relatives.
At her request, no services will be held. She hoped her family and friends would visit the Pacific Ocean at Front Street to remember all the wonderful times they shared.
To those of you that called, sent a card, brought a meal, stopped by to visit, prayed or lent a hand, Thanks, A small word for a Large Heartfelt Effort.