Ann Via Baker

Ann Via Boyd Baker was born on October 16, 1952, to Jack and Mary Boyd in Shawnee, Oklahoma.  Jack last worked as Director of State Health Planning Agency, and Mary worked in Oklahoma County Assessors office, while leading their family.  

 Ann was raised as the youngest of 3 siblings with older brothers Don Boyd, and David Boyd, who treated her like the perfect angel that she was for the full extent of their youth.  Ann attended Nichols Hills Elementary and John Marshall High School.  Ann was an Oklahoma State fan from a young age, and attended college there, graduating with her nursing degree from Southwestern University.  She began her nursing career at Baptist Hospital. Ann later returned to college and received her Registered Nursing license at Oklahoma State University in OKC and resumed nursing after a focused period of wrangling young boys, to finish her career at St. Anthony’s in Midtown, OKC. 

 Ann married Rod Baker in 1978, and they started to grow their family of 5, with Ryan Baker born in 1980, Adam Baker born in 1984, and Jay Baker born in 1986.  All 3 boys were the apple of Ann’s eye, and she cared for them with absolute love, kindness, and grace.  It has been said that there is a special place in heaven for the mother of 3 boys.  Ann and Rod raised the boys in NW OKC and attended Quail Springs Baptist Church as their church home, making long lasting relationships, in addition to those friends from their neighborhood and the kids' schools.  All three of Ann and Rod’s boys went to Oklahoma State University, and headed off in different career paths, eventually all starting families of their own, giving Ann 7 beloved grandchildren.

 Ryan and Amanda Baker now reside in Oklahoma City, OK with 3 beautiful children, Grayson Samuel Baker (son, 10), Harlow Everly June Baker (daughter, 8), Sloane Alexis Baker (daughter, 7).

 Adam and Katie Baker reside in McKinney, TX with two handsome sons, Jack Boyd Baker (son, 7), and Wiley Dale Baker (son, 3).

 Jay and Jordan Baker reside in Edmond, OK, and have 2 lovely young daughters, Emmy June Baker (3), and Evan Grace Baker (1).

 Brothers and spouses Don and Cora Boyd, and David and Sally Boyd also reside in Oklahoma City, along with their children, grandchildren, and one great grandchild.  After her mother, Mary, passed away, Ann introduced Jack to Patty, who worked at Baptist Hospital; this led to some fantastic joint family holidays and some incredible memories for both Jack and Patty’s families.   Ann valued her family, nieces, nephews, and extended family of loving cousins, most of all.  Ann got her high moral compass and loving demeaner from her parents and brothers, and by a fantastic relationship with her sisters-in-law. 

 Beyond family, Ann had a close and connected network of great friends that meant so much to her.  Friends from her childhood and college period, friends from the neighborhood that she and Rod raised the boys, and all the school and church friends that were developed over so many years watching sports, playing bunco, and traveling the US together.

Ann passed away on Jan. 20, 2024, in Oklahoma City, with full support of family and friends. Services for Ann will be held Jan. 27, 2024, at 3:00 pm at Smith and Kernke, N. May.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Anthony’s Foundation with this link:  https://www.givetossmhealth.org/foundations/oklahoma/ssm-health-st-anthony-foundation/ways-to-support/make-a-gift