Wanda Jean Baker

Wanda Jean Martin Baker, age 75, of Arkadelphia, went to be with her Lord Sunday, November 5, 2017 after a brave battle with cancer. She was born July 3, 1942 in Caney, Arkansas and was the daughter of the late Robert and Myrtle Loy Martin and a member of Third Street Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by brothers, Murvin Martin and Mike Martin and sister, Marilyn Sue Martin Bray. Jean is survived by her husband of 53 years, Charles Baker; daughter, Gina (Marty) Allen and grandson, Sam Allen of Bismarck; daughter, Becky Steed of Hot Springs; granddaughter, Morgan (Calvin) Hobby of Rogers and grandson, Logan Steed of Searcy. She is also survived by a brother, Don (Linda) Martin of Friendship; sister, Barbara (Roy) Slaughter of Caddo Valley; sister Pat (Garvis) Hughes of Bismarck and many nieces, nephews and cousins. After graduating from Ouachita High School her career began with National Rejectors, Avon, the US Postal Service, followed by 17 years as the Assistant Manager at the Ouachita Baptist University Bookstore. After retiring from OBU, Jean worked several part-time fun jobs around Arkadelphia. Jean enjoyed camping, fishing, reading but especially her huge family and numerous friends. Many of us enjoyed her energetic personality, good cooking and sweet, sweet hugs. Services will be provided by Ruggles-Wilcox. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 8th from 5-7 p.m. Memorial Services will be Thursday, November 9th at 10 a.m. at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel with Steve Patterson officiating, followed by burial at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of their choice. Sign Jean's online page at www.ruggleswilcox.com.