Diana Baker Obituary

Longtime area resident Diana Kay Cambridge Baker died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at home in Hesperus. She was 80.

Mrs. Baker was born June 22, 1934, to the Ta'neeszahnii (Badlands Formations) Clan west of the Shiprock volcanic formation near Hogsback, New Mexico.

According to family, Mrs. Baker's earliest memories included farming, horses and sheep herding with her siblings and playing outside. She was orphaned at an early age. She attended primary and secondary schools in Ignacio while living in the Bureau of Indian Affairs dormitory just outside town on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

Mrs. Baker married Archie Phillip Baker in 1958 in Ignacio, and they had six children together. They lived mostly in Durango but also lived for short periods of time in California and New Mexico. After 20 years of marriage, they divorced but remained close until his death.

Mrs. Baker worked at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque and Durango Threadworks. She also worked with the U.S. Forest Service during summer seasons, at Eventide Nursing Home and Community Hospital in Durango, and San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington.

She enjoyed watching all her children and grandchildren participate in sports and outdoor activities, her family said. She also was a pitcher for 14 years in Durango women's softball.

Mrs. Baker was a former volunteer and board member of the Southwest Colorado chapter of the American Red Cross and a member of Aztec Bees Quilters. She was an active participant in events held by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, including the annual tribal fair and spring Bear Dance.

She was the last member of her birth family and was preceded in death by daughter Amelia "Boo Boo" Baker.

She is survived by her children Linda K. Baker of Durango, Carol J. Baker of Redmesa, Robert L. Baker of Redmesa, Raymond A. Baker of Bremerton, Washington, and Shawna M. Steffler of Aurora; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, at Ute Park in Ignacio with Pastor Stan Formby officiating. Internment will follow at Ouray Memorial Cemetery in Ignacio.