Tammie Lynn Baker, 43, formerly of Columbia Falls, “was welcomed to heaven” on March 20, 2014, as a result of a crime in Richmond, Calif.

Tammie was born in Whitefish on Sept. 30, 1970, to Don and Paula Baker. She was raised in Columbia Falls, and for a short time California.

She attended school in Kila and Columbia Falls. Shortly thereafter, she moved to California where she met Rick Langton. Rick and Tammie had three children together, Ricky, Eric and Tyler Langton.

Soon after Tammie was born her parents moved with her to Windsor, Calif., to live on her grandfather’s horse ranch. Tammie’s knack for taking care of animals took flight and her compassion blossomed into caring for other people. In her teenage years she took care of her great-grandma Rose during her courageous battle with cancer.

While raising her boys she operated a home daycare where children enjoyed going to “Auntie’s” house.

“Tammie received her angel wings” as a guardian for the sick.

She was preceded in death by her father, Don Baker; Grandma and Grandpa Rae, and Kenny Downen; and Grandma Anita Baker.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Paula and Wally Bennett; her sisters, Jodie Green and Melissa Livingston; her children, Ricky, Eric and Tyler Langton, and their respective families. Tammie is also survived by her grandfather, Bob Baker, of California; along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Columbia Falls Mortuary. We welcome you to share a memory on a balloon which will be released at the end of the service. A potluck-style reception will follow at the North Valley Community Center in Columbia Falls.