Nancy E. Baker

Nancy Ellen Baker, 86, of Granville and formerly of Bucyrus, passed peacefully, Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Middleton Senior Living in Granville.



She was born August 14, 1935 at the family home in Marseilles, Ohio, daughter of the late Walter W. and Nancy E. (Hughes) Whittaker. Her parents died when Nancy was young and she persevered through many challenges. She was a 1953 graduate of Marseilles High School, also known as The Whittaker School, founded by her father. She completed her associate’s degree from Findlay College and later earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. On June 17, 1956 she married James R. Baker who preceded her in death on January 30, 1987.



Nancy taught for several years at various school districts in Marion County before moving to Crawford County, where she primarily taught third grade and students with learning disabilities in the Bucyrus School District. She was an educator at the Crawford, Kearsley, and Norton buildings before her retirement in the late 1980s. She kept track of former students and was always proud to have been part of their success.



Nancy’s passions were family and reading. She enjoyed attending school functions that involved her grandchildren and collecting children’s books signed by the author to give to her grandkids. She enjoyed many Whittaker family reunions and was a cat enthusiast. Nancy loved socializing with friends and neighbors, and she never turned away ice cream.



Nancy was active in many organizations. These include the Bucyrus Library Board of Directors, where she served as President and in other positions for many years. She was proud to have been part of the library expansion; the American Association of University Women, serving as President; Crawford County Board of Elections; Crawford County Reading Association; Co-founder and Scout Leader for Girl Scout Troop 294 of Bucyrus; Mothers’ Club; the Red Hat Society; and the Retired Teachers Association. She was also proud to have been awarded as a William Howard Jennings Scholar by her peers. Nancy was an educator from her youth. She never stopped reading, and teaching. She had a positive impact on the lives of many.



Nancy will be deeply missed by her children, Dr. Eric Baker and wife, Karen, of Greenville, S.C., and Kimberly Hosler and husband, Robert of Granville; grandchildren, Logan (Paula) Baker, Quentin Baker, Olivia (Logan) Boucher, Andrew Hosler, and Grant Hosler; one great granddaughter, Rose Baker; sister, Jean Hensel; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by numerous siblings and extended family members.



Her family will gather with friends from 12:00-1:55 pm Saturday, July 16, at Wise Funeral Service where her celebration of life service will begin at 2:00 pm with Certified Celebrant Mark Dettmer officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



If desired, donations are encouraged to be made payable to the Bucyrus Public Library and will be accepted through the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her Tribute Wall.