JoEllen Baker, 90

JoEllen Baker, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Pack River Cemetery.

JoEllen was born on March 23, 1936, in Salmon, Idaho, to Joseph and Grace Walker. At the age of 2, she moved with her family to Sandpoint, where her family owned and operated the Kaniksu Motel. It was there that JoEllen learned the value of hard work and developed the strong work ethic that would guide her throughout her life.

She graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1954. During her school years, she excelled in music and enjoyed playing both the saxophone and piano.

JoEllen met the love of her life, Don Baker, while in Long Beach, California. The couple married on May 16, 1958, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and together built a loving family. JoEllen worked as a secretary and clerk for the United States Forest Service, where she was known for her dedication and dependability.

A lifelong supporter of her community, JoEllen volunteered for many years with the Bonner General Health Auxiliary. She was also an active member of the Monday Morning Hikers and the Sandpoint Elks Women's Golf League. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life and enjoyed bird watching, tennis, bowling, knitting, and sewing.

Above all, JoEllen cherished time spent with her family. Her kindness, steady presence, and loving spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

JoEllen will be greatly missed. She is survived by her four children, Sally Baker (David Fielding) of Portland, Oregon; Christine (Gregory) Miller of Sagle, Idaho; Dan (Angie) Baker of Sagle, Idaho; and Jeff Baker of Sagle, Idaho; eight grandchildren, Brian Baker of Garden Grove, California; Ariel Miller of Toledo, Ohio; Emily Miller of Bellingham, Washington; Zoe Miller of Madison, Wisconsin; Morgan (Lizzie) Miller of Portland, Oregon; Andrew (Devyn) Miller of Sandpoint, Idaho; Wes (Megan) Baker of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; and Kyle (Ali) Foutch of Sagle, Idaho; three great-grandchildren, Mia Miller, Bodhi Foutch, and Amelia Foutch; two sisters, Linda (Gary) Riffle of Renton, Washington, and Teri (Jerry) Pierce of Hope, Idaho; and one brother, Rod (Therese) Walker of Las Vegas, Nevada.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Don Baker; her son, John Baker; her sister, Kay McGhee; her brother, Duffy Walker; and her daughter-in-law, Leony Baker.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit JoEllen’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.