Joy Ellen Baker (nee Jenkins), age 78 of Maryland Heights, MO, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 3, 2022.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Baker; her parents: Rich and Helen Jenkins, and three siblings: Donna Orlando (John Sr.), Sue Vinyard (Bob Sr.) and Rich “Butch” Jenkins.

Joy is survived by her three daughters: Joann Ragan (Patrick), Renee Baker, and Dana Hill (Victor); eight grandchildren: Justin Ashby, Shannah Kinealy (Brett), Josh Ashby (Chloe), Krista Wade (Bobby), Danny Slack (Alycia), Grace, Brenndon and Christian Hill; six great grandchildren: Landon, Jack, Jocelyn, John, Mia and Siena; her youngest sister, Cheri Volner (Lou), and dearest cousin/brother, Terry Godfrey. She also leaves behind many more family members and friends, whom she loved dearly.

Joy was born in St. Louis, MO on July 5, 1943 and was the third of five children. Just 15 years later on April 26, 1959, she married Bill Baker, the love of her life. Critics said they’d never make it, but the end of that year, they welcomed their first of three children. As young teenagers, marriage and parenting weighed heavily on their relationship and they struggled. However difficult, they were committed to facing their adversities as one, which became the foundation of their forever love story. That love story didn’t end when Bill left this earth in 1999, but began anew, when he and Joy were recently reunited in Heaven with our Holy Father. Forever One – as their joint headstone reads in Bland, MO – is the greatest and loveliest legacy they have left behind.

Due to the current increase in Covid-19 cases, a private ‘Celebration of Life’ gathering’ will be planned in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joy’s honor to Dementia Society of America at https://dementiasociety.org.