Shirley Marie Baker age 86 of Raton, passed away Saturday September 1, 2018 in Aurora, CO. She was born April 17, 1932 in Raton, NM, joining her brother Robert the children of Edna and Wallace Josey. She attended school in Raton and graduated from Raton High School in 1950. She later attended one semester at Loretto Heights in Denver, Colorado, but then returned home to Raton and married the love of her life – Benjamin Baker Jr. in 1951. 
Shirley was a stay at home Mom but worked various part-time jobs during her married years. She worked as a bookkeeper and a store clerk. She found her niche in life as the clothes buyer for a department store in Raton. Her taste in clothes was impeccable. She was also an exceptional seamstress, making most of her children’s clothes. She also did many craft type projects – creating T-shirts and sweatshirts for her children and friends. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles as well as playing bridge on a regular basis with her girlfriends in Raton.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Ben, Parents Edna and Wallace Josey, and brother Robert. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands, Deborah Chavez (Ronnie), Diana King (Jerry), Tammy Helart (Bruce), and Pamela Daugherty (Tom). Six grandchildren, Brandi Warhank (Karl), Beau Chavez (Jamie), Nicole Padua (Armando), Jason Helart (Andrea), Harmon Daugherty, and Abigail Daugherty. Eight great grandchildren, Ty Warhank, Delaney Warhank, Van Chavez, Santiago Chavez, Keahla Padua, Ki Padua, Liam Helart and Myles Helart and one great great grandchild to be born later in 2018. She is also survived by several sister and brothers-in-law as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Friday, September 7, 2018 at 10 AM at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home Chapel in Raton, recited by Frank Cimino Jr.. Services and internment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Raton. Reception afterwards at the Elks Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ben and Shirley Baker to B.P.O.E. Charities in Raton.
Services and celebration of love for Shirley Marie Baker are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
