Robert Baker

Robert Baker

95, of Libby

Robert A. Baker, 95, of Libby, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, at Libby Lodge of Love in Libby of natural causes. He was born March 29, 1920, in Spokane, Wash., to Brooks O. and Edythe (Jensen) Baker. Robert grew up in Spokane, Wash., and attended Spokane Public Schools. He graduated from Yakima Valley Academy. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for three years. While in the service, he was stationed in Alaska and Georgia.  

Robert attended optometry school and received his doctorate in optometry from Pacific University. In 1942, he married Edna Wilson at San Luis Obispo, Calif. They had two children. Donna Rae was born in Georgia in 1945 and Jeannie in Oregon in 1954. After optometry school, in 1954, the family moved to Brewster, Wash. In 1973, they went overseas to serve as missionaries for the 7th Day Adventist church. As missionaries, they spent time in Guam, Palau and Africa. Robert retired in the early 1980s. Bob remained very active in the churches and enjoyed fishing, football and baseball. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edna and his second wife, Doris.

Survivors include his daughters Donna Rae Riddel (Jay) of Libby, Jeannie Scharbach (Mike) of Quincy, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Scott Riddel of Libby, Joel Riddel (Joni) of Libby, Mary Gelhausen (Adam) of Spokane, Wash., Ben Riddel (Xannie) of Libby, Jenni Bickel of Sandpoint, Idaho, Jason Scharbach (Cassie) of Spokane, Wash., and Nicole Joslin of Quincy, Wash., and 11 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services for Robert were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Brewster, Wash. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.