Laurel (Lori) M. Baker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laurel (Lori) M. Baker (nee Dewitz), wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother on March 2 in Chandler, Az.  Lori suffered from the debilitating disease Lewy Body Dementia which gradually robbed her of the ability to pursue her hobbies, daily activities and ultimately resulted in her death.

Lori was born in Fremont, Nebraska on January 22, 1950 and later moved to Lincoln, where she graduated from Lincoln East High School in 1968.  She married Michael D. Sievers later that year and had two daughters:  Wendy and Jodee.

After relocating to Arizona, Lori married Jeffrey H. Baker in 1976 and together they had one daughter:  Sarah.

Lori was an accomplished seamstress and utilized her skills in various business ventures, producing women's and children's exercise wear for the Jazzercize community, and later made custom embroidered shirts and blankets, which she proudly exhibited and sold at arts and crafts shows.

Lori enjoyed summers at their cabin retreat in Heber, Az., and weekend garage sales with her friends.  She joined the local quilting group and turned her passion for sewing into magnificent quilts that her family still enjoys today.

Lori's love of family will be greatly missed, especially her verbal jousting with her sons-in-law.  She adored her grandchildren and was fortunate to spend time with her great-grandson Finan.  Lori loved all animals and her dogs were especially precious to her.

Lori is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jeff; daughters Wendy (Kelvin) Shasteen, Jodee Wells and Sarah (Aaron) Gilletti and son-in-law, Kelly Wells.  Nani Lori will never be forgotten by her grandchildren:  Drew (Michaela), Kaycee, Kaylee (Jalen), Tanner, Makayla, Ethan an Lily, as well as great-grandsons Finan and soon to arrive, Legend.  Lori is also survived by her sister Donna Burrows and niece, Jamie.

Lori was preceded in death by her brother William, sister Nona Dee, mother Janice, father Don and first husband Mike.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Valley staff, especially her nurse, Jeanice.  We are also grateful for the care provided by the staff at Deseret Springs ALH.  They all made our lives better even in the most difficult times.  If you choose, donations in Lori's name  can be made to:  Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary (https://aimeesfarmandanimalsanctuary.org) or Hospice of the Valley (1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Az. 85014).

A celebration of Lori's life will take place on April 1, 2023 from 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park (745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler, AZ 85286) at the South Mountain Pavilion.  Please come as you can and share your favorite memories of Lori with family and friends.