Norma June Baker, age 80, of Fort Peck, Montana passed away December 11, 2014 in Billings, Montana. Norma was born on January 8, 1934 in Great Falls, Montana to Harry & Bess (Kale) Van De Riet. She often spoke of her wonderful memories growing up in Sun River, Montana. Norma attended Golden Ridge Elementary and graduated from Fairfield High School where she enjoyed playing in the pep and marching band. Norma went on to attend Northern Montana College and briefly taught school in Bynum, Montana. While at Northern, Norma met the love of her life, Doug Baker of Wolf Point, Montana. They were married on July 11, 1953 in Choteau, Montana and spent the next 40 years of their life farming & ranching in the Sunny Side community south of Wolf Point. To this union they were blessed with two children, Mike & Christy. Doug and “Normie June” were married for 61 years.
Norma was a master of domestic homemaking. She had a compassionate heart – loving all little children, while her grandchildren simply melted her heart. Norma was as a mother a disciplinarian of respect and honor. She was a sharp keeper of the Cross N books and Doug’s partner in their farming & ranching operation. Norma was a caring and dedicated neighbor. She was a member of the First Presbyterian church where she served as Deacon and was an inspirational member of the church choir. Norma had an amazing unexpected “gotcha” sense of humor and could hold her own in a lively pinochle card game. She loved to sew, write letters to friends & family, and stories. Norma enjoyed reading, needlework and gardening. She was very active in Farmers Union as a youth and music leader. Norma was as well, a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat and delightfully Dutch.
In 1993 Doug and Norma moved to Fort Peck, Montana to enjoy their golden years and to make treasured family memories at the lake.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents Harry & Bess Van De Riet. Brothers Harry Jr., Jack, Robert, Raymond & Jerry. Sisters Marilyn and Lavonne. Her son Mike Baker.
Norma is survived by her husband Doug Baker of Fort Peck. Her daughter Christy (Jack) Stensland of Wolf Point. Ann Baker of Great Falls. Grandchildren Vandie (Marty) Buckingham of Miles City. Cole Baker, Becky Stensland, Meili Baker, JD (Kami) Stensland all of Wolf Point. Great Grand children Madison Stensland and Paightyn Stensland both of Wolf Point and Morgan & Ellen Buckingham of Miles City, Montana. Sister Bonnie Crary of Choteau,Montana. Sister-in-law Audrey Van De Riet of Augusta, Montana. God-son Jon Sampson of Helena, Montana and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday December 16, 2014 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.
Memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Home Foundation, 1000 6 th Avenue North, Wolf Point, MT 59201 or charity of one’s choice.