Claudine M. (Morris) Baker

Hamilton - Claudine M Baker, 88, of Hamilton, passed away Oct 4th 2015 peacefully at home, surrounded by family.  She was born April 13, 1927 in Delano, CA to the late Alex and Virginia (Claudino) Morris.

She was raised in Delano, along with three younger brothers, graduating from Delano High School in 1944.  She then attended Beauty School and was employed at the Delano Beauty Salon.  On June 14, 1952, Claudine married Lt. Paul C. Baker (USN) in Seattle, WA.  Together they raised seven children, living in places such as Guam, New York, New Jersey, and finally settling in Hamilton Mt in 1973.

When Paul retired from Pan American they began to travel, seeing the US, then heading south to Pahrump, NV for the winter.  Coming home in the spring was always looked forward to, as she never tired of home and the views she had from the mountain.  She could sit and watch deer, elk, turkeys and the occasional bear tor hours wandering through the property.

Claudine loved to cook and entertain.  She loved planning the theme and decorating for events.  She could make something delicious out of nothing, although you couldn't leave her in charge of toasting the garlic bread because she'd burn it most every time.  She taught her children to at least try one bite before saying you didn't like it.  She was truly the glue that held things together; she would maintain progress in the midst of chaos.  She prided herself in her lifelong supporting role.

Claudine was a Cub Scout leader, a Brownie leader, 4H leader while kids were growing up and continues to support local 4H.  She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 65 years, a volunteer and board member of the Commod Thrift Store (non profit) in Hamilton, a member of a local "Red Hats" group, and supporting wife of a Shriner/Mason, but most of all she was a Mom, a Grandma and great-Grandma and support us she did, through everything. Claudine wasn't in the forefront, didn't demand attention, and in fact, preferred everyone else get the attention.  She was humble and made room for everyone.  Those who knew her won't forget her.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, brothers Alex and Philip.

She is survived by brother, Tommy (Connie) Morris of Lancaster, Ca; Her children Suisei (Jerry) Heidebrecht of Clearlake,CA., Patty Woodhouse of Hamilton, MT., David (Vicki) Baker of  Hamilton, MT., Jan (Jim) Leadbetter of  Salmon, ID., Becca (Chinook) Swindle of Victor, MT., Nancy Baker (Holly Gerdes) of Nevada City, CA., Scott Baker of San Diego, CA; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held Thurs. Oct 22 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton MT.  A reception will follow the service.  Interment will take place at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.

The family suggests memorials be made to Marcus Daly Hospice, Veterans Admin, Ravalli County 4H.