Mildred E. Baker, age 86 of Portage, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2009 in Valparaiso.

She was born on November 3, 1922 in Wakefield, Mich., the daughter of Matthew and Amanda (Jokula) Koivula, both of whom preceded her in death.

She was married to Gerald Dean Baker, who preceded her in death in 1985.

Mildred is survived by her children, Sharon (David) Luke of Rotonda West, Fla., Dean (Cheryl) Baker of Portage, Marsha Baker of Portage, Brenda Connaway of Chesterton, and Penny (Danny) Gurgon of Portage; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death also by two brothers and two sisters.

Mildred was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and loved her family and her cats.

A graveside funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 1, at McCool Cemetery, Portage. Memorials may be made to the Independent Cat Society, 4061 S. County Line Rd., Westville, IN 46391.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage. www.EE-FH.com

Posted 7/31/2009