Ronald Edmund Baker ran home, into the arms of his Lord and Savior, on May 31st at the age of 81 following a 24-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. His beloved wife Annie, of 55 years, was by his side.

He was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on December 23rd, 1942, to Wayne and Lois Baker. Ron spent his young years playing sports and taking piano lessons. As he entered his teen years, the piano was replaced by singing, both at school and the Methodist Church, where he also attended Sunday school. Because Ron truly enjoyed being involved, his High School career was packed with activities where he excelled. Ron played baseball, basketball, football and ran track. He was involved with the Thespian group, Vice President of the National Honor Society, S club, treasurer of the Student Council, and belonged to the International Relations Club. Ron sang in the A Capella choir, the Continentals, Sheridanaires and the Octett, along with the church choir. He was a baritone. Ron graduated in the Top 10 in his class. He helped both the basketball and track teams win first in State…Go Broncos! Ron was voted Jr Rotarian for the month of February during his Senior year. Each summer found Ron traveling with and playing for the American Legion Baseball team. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1961.

Ron entered College on a baseball scholarship to the University of Washington where he loved being a Husky, even when later in life, he lived in the land of the Cougars! While at the UW, Ron studied engineering and political science. He was also involved in a Fraternity.

Ron was in the National Guard for 21 years and it was during that time that he was transferred to Medford, Ore. where he met Annie Gail Beaver. They were married March 8th, 1969, in her grandparents’ apartment in Portland, Ore. September of 1969 they moved to Pasco, WA and welcomed their two sons Christopher and Jeffrey. Their early years were spent chauffeuring and coaching their sons’ sports. They attended family reunions, went fishing and attended the Pasco First UMC together.

Ron was passionate about his clients while he worked for The New York Life Insurance Company for over 40 years. He cared about the people he insured, worked long hours to make sure that even Birthday cards were signed and mailed out on time. He was meticulous about the books, logging everything in his neat and clean handwriting. He had a strong work ethic and it showed in the relationships that he had with his clients and the team at New York Life.

In his retirement years, he and Annie enjoyed class reunions and traveling: Alaska Cruises, Washington DC, San Diego, Glacier National Park, Leavenworth, and Palm Springs, often to visit classmates. They were Steven Ministers together while at Pasco First United Methodist Church, prior to transferring their membership to Kennewick First United Methodist Church.

Ron was also an avid golfer and bowler. He served on the Tri City Estate Planning Council and The Life Underwriters team. Ron and Annie have been avid Pasco Bulldog supporters since helping with the Pasco Invitational Track meet in 1970. They have spent countless hours helping in the concession stand, at sporting events and cheering on many athletes besides their own sons. This year it was announced that a scholarship will forever be presented in their honor!

Ron is survived by his wife Annie, sons Chris and Jeff, grandsons Noah and Caleb, DIL Hollie and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded by his grandparents, parents and sisters Karen, Donna, and Margo. Special thank you to Visiting Angels and Chaplaincy Health Care Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held on July 19th at 1:00 pm at Kennewick First United Methodist Church, 2 S. Dayton St. Kennewick, WA 99336.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial tree can be planted through Life Tributes.

Life Tributes Cremation Center - June, 2024.