Barbara Jean Baker

Barbara Jean Baker, 86, of Zanesville, Ohio, died Saturday, January 20th, at the Genesis Morrison House Hospice surrounded by her family after an extended illness from natural causes. Barbara was born on August 15th, 1937 to William L. Heil and Madeline (Tonsor) Heil. She graduated from St. Nicholas Grade School and then from Bishop Rosecrans High School. Barbara was also a long-time parishioner of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Zanesville. After graduation, Barbara worked as a telephone operator at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company in Zanesville. She married John Francis (Bunk) Baker on July 6th, 1957. The two are parents of four children. In addition to being a member of the Sigma Delta Pi Sorority early on, Barbara enjoyed drawing, reading, musicals and sewing while making a loving home for her family. Most of all, Barbara quietly assisted her family and extended family through so many of their life’s journeys with her skills of compassionate listening, consultation, and her strong prayerful supportive practice of her Catholic faith. Barbara’s constant gift was her gentle unconditional ‘legacy of love’, now forever felt. Barbara is survived by her sister Rose Ann Waterson of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and her four children, Jennifer (Ron) Westerheide of Mount Vernon, Jacqueline Baker of Zanesville, John (Roxie) Baker of Mount Gilead, and Julie Baker of Zanesville, along with 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was preceded in death by an infant brother William and one sister, Mary Wilson. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Genesis Morrison House Hospice nurses and staff for the loving care they provided Barbara and her family. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, at the Hillis, Combs, & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Rosary Service will take place at 7:45pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, 10:30AM, January 26th, 2024, at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, 955 Main Street, Zanesville, with Fr. Stephen Ondrey officiating. Burial will conclude in the Mount Olive Cemetery, Zanesville. To sign an online register book please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com.

Barbara Jean Baker

August 15, 1937 - January 20, 2024