Baker, Ellen B. (McCarty) Ellen Belle McCarty Baker, age 88, passed away very peacefully Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at her home in Fremont, Michigan. Ellen was born on April 18, 1917 in Fremont to Cornelius and Zaida (Renouf) McCarty. A graduate of Fremont High School, her first job was snipping beans on the bean line at Gerber Products Company, where she later became Switchboard Operator when the company became large enough to need one. It was there that she met and later married Kenneth Ellsworth Baker, Sr., who preceded her in death in 1976. Ellen was a lifelong resident and tremendous supporter of Fremont, a town and community she loved very much. A founding member of the Hospital Auxiliary Guild ("HAG's") and frequent contributor to hospital building funds; she was also a staunch supporter of the Fremont Public School system, including the Cross Country track team; a donor to the Fremont Public Library (most recently the Local History Room); the Newaygo County Community Services Center; and Camp Echo. For as long as she was able, she was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Fremont, United Church of Christ -- as was her family before her. Rarely seen without a dog at her side, she was a fiery, honest spirit who loved life, adventure, travel, a good joke, making a difference, and she loved her family most of all. She is survived by her three daughters: Sue James of Horton, Michigan (married to Coy "Jim"); Zaida Bradley of Maui, Hawaii; and Amy Baker also of Maui, Hawaii; her four grandchildren: Rick James (married to Kira), Christine James, Jamaica Bradley, and Cabot Bradley; and her three great grandchildren: Ian James, Anna James, and Lucy James. She is also survived by a team of caregivers, her angels on Earth, who lovingly cared for her during the last years of her life. To them the Family will be forever grateful. Memorial services were held on Thursday, July 21, 2005 at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ with Rev. Ray Dekker presiding with interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends are encouraged to consider for memorial contributions, each individuals own favorite cause or charity, remembering, as Ellen used to say, "You can make anything happen if you put your mind to it. You just have to do it." Share a free confidential condolence to the Baker Family on-line