 BAKER, ARDIE Ruby Ardilene "Ardie" Baker, a longtime resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on March 24, 2014, at her home in Ocala, Florida. Ardie was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Elmer and Ruby Hamilton. Ardie spent her childhood and early adult years in the Claremore, Oklahoma, area. She lived through the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the depression of the 1930's and had fascinating stories of that era which she shared with family and friends. In Claremore, she met Raymond "Ray" Baker, whom she married on June 26, 1943. Ardie remained in Claremore raising their son, Gary, while Ray served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. During the war, Ardie contributed to the war effort by becoming a welder on airplanes. She was truly one of The Greatest Generation. Following the war, Ray remained in the Navy. Ardie and Ray moved to the Great Lakes Training Center in Illinois where their daughter, Karone was born. The family next spent three years in Cartagena, Columbia, where Ardie home schooled her children. They moved to Albuquerque in 1953 where they joined Christ United Methodist Church and remained active members of the church community. Ardie was a member of Eastern Star and the Pearl Harbor Survivors' Association. After moving to Albuquerque, she became a cosmetologist, a profession she loved and continued throughout her life. Due to health issues, Ardie spent her last two years with her daughter Karone in Kansas and Florida and her son Gary in Virginia. Though away from Albuquerque, she remained in close contact with her circle of friends there. Ardie was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; sister, Laverta Moon; and brother, Jack Hamilton. She is survived by her daughter, Karone Finger and husband, Denny; son, Gary Baker and wife, Fran; granddaughter, Amy Quick; grandson, Chad Baker; great grandchildren: Addison Baker; Justin and Joshua Finger; and Katie Finger Chepalis. Ardie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful people who loved her and were such an integral part of her life. A celebration of Ardie's life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 26, at 11:00 a.m. She will be interred with her husband Ray at Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private family ceremony. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to Christ United Methodist Church, 6200 Gibson Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, or to the charity of your choice.
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