July 25, 1928 - December 15, 2023

BERLIN, Wis. — Betty Jean (Eckhardt) Baker passed away at the age of 95 on December 15, 2023 at Patriot Place in Berlin, WI., after a long battle with dementia.

She was born into a large family in Rochelle, Illinois to Edward Eckhardt and Ella (Schlie) Eckhardt on July 25, 1928.  She married Paul Woodrow Baker on June 14, 1946.  Betty wholeheartedly embraced her role as a Mother/Grandma to her only son Steven, and her grandsons Matthew and Christopher.  Her grandsons hold many special memories of fun adventures that she so lovingly planned.  She was deeply devoted to her family, especially their hobbies and passions.

She loved crafting, cooking, gardening, writing poetry, reading, gathering collections and planting trees with her grandsons. She was often referred to as the "Dessert Diva".

On April 17, 1998 her heart was convicted to accept Christ as her Savior and be immersed in baptism alongside her immediate family at Central Christian Church in Rockford, Illinois.

She is survived by her son Steve, daughter-in-law Kristi, grandsons Matthew and Christopher, one sister Bernice Richardson, and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul W., her parents, sisters; Ruth Rowland, Ester Wetzel, Eleanor Kinn, Phyllis Hoffman, Bernita Freeman, and brother Bob Eckhardt.

Betty's life verse was Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you;

Be not afraid, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Surely I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with my

righteous right hand."

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Patriot Place, Heartland Hospice and Heartland House for their care, time and compassion shown to Betty.

Arrangements are pending.  Updates at wieckiskipchakfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers or trees, please make donations to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Memory of Betty J Baker at T2T.org or by phone at 718-987-1931.