Judith K. Baker

Judith Kay (Durnil) Baker, of Marion went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the age of 82 surrounded by her family. She was born on November 25, 1940 to Pearl LaVelle (Brown) and Waylen Leon Durnil in Wabash, Indiana. Judi graduated from Jackson Center High School in 1958 where she participated in the marching band.

In her younger years she worked at the bank in Warren, Haag Drugs and Dunkin' Donuts in Marion. After being a stay-at-home mother for several years, she earned her Dietary Manager Certification and worked at Bradner Village, Colonial Oaks and finally retired from Albany Health Care at the age of 74. She loved the residents, and they were like family to her. She loved the dress up days and holiday parties because it was so fun for the residents.

Judi had a vibrant, spontaneous, and joyful personality. She loved anything bright and colorful, especially things with glitter, sparkle, and sequins. She had many "collections" including cardinals, books (especially cookbooks and bibles), thimbles, Doughboy, spoons, post cards, vintage albums among other things. She loved crosswords and word find puzzles. She loved her pets, too. Buddy was her best friend.

Judi was a great cook and always had a full pantry and a large selection of cookware and utensils. She was happy cooking for her family, and they enjoyed her delicious meals especially her turkey gravy, dressing and butterscotch pie.

When Judi was in her 50's, she accepted Christ as her Savior at an Easter sunrise service. She became very active at Center Chapel Church enjoying her weekly bible studies with the Women's Fellowship and enjoyed many church trips on the Lightrider bus with her friends. She especially loved praising and worshiping the Lord through music.

As the generations grew, Nana Baker was so proud of her grands and greats. She loved hearing how they were doing in school, sports, and everything else they were involved in. Family bonfires were a favorite time for her.

Preceding her in death were her parents and grandson, Corry Boatwright.

She will be forever remembered by her children Donna (Rod) Boatwright, Tonya (Randy) Smith and Brian (Lisa) Mauller. She also was fortunate to have bonus children Anne Owen, Tammy (Gary) Stout, and Thomas (Vickie) Baker Jr.; grandchildren Sarah (Ryan) McDaniel, Jessica (Scott) Justice, Nathan (Mandi) Smith, Aaron Smith, Tiffany (Austin ) Rausch, Joshua Michael (Jill) Baker, Meagan (Shad McDaniel) Westfall, Morgan (David) Morris, Nicole and Kayla Stout, Kreig Baker; great grandchildren include Cameron (Hannah) Yeakle, Austin (Gracie) Yeakle, Chloe and Carson McDaniel, Katie Justice, Karissa (Seth) Pomeroy, Kacey (Drew) Grubb, Karmin (Blayne) Altum, Micah and Riley Smith, Brooklyn Rausch, Ruby, Alex, Jack, Jett, Jude Baker, Chloe, Evie and Bearett, Corbin, Lily Anne and Marley; great-great grandchildren Lane, D'Angelo, Adrionna, Hunter, Jaeci, Emma, Beau, Luke, Remington, Karleigh, Levi; sister Vicki Durnil and nieces.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of University Nursing Center for their excellent and compassionate care of their mother.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 3 at 6:30 pm at Center Chapel Church, 8733 E 200 S, Marion, IN 46953.