July 6, 1924 – January 3, 2025
Norma Ardella (Lutz) Baker, age 100, of Arcanum, Ohio passed away at 4:29 am Friday, January 3, 2025, at Wayne Hospital, Everheart Hospice in Greenville, Ohio. Norma was born on July 6, 1924, at home near Laura, Ohio, to the late Jesse & Ruth (Mishler) Lutz. She worked at Franklin Monroe Elementary for many years, starting as a cook, then taking tickets for lunch, and finally retiring as the school secretary after 30 years. Norma also worked for hospice in Greenville for a while.
She was a hard-working woman who was full of life and love for those around her. She loved sharing her many talents with those around her. She enjoyed mowing her lawn, doing crafts, painting, drawing and being outside. She even taught herself calligraphy, and she was often sought out to hand write many invitations and certificates for the school, she didn’t mind though, she loved to see people enjoy the work she had done. Beautiful and bright flowers brought her a special joy, even if she did not know the name of the flower, if it was pretty enough, it would have a home in her garden. She was quite the skilled pianist and has played most of her life, she played for Pitsburg Church of the Brethren and Painter Creek Church of the Brethren for many years. She kept playing even after her 100th birthday. She had many passions, piano being her favorite. Norma was a very special woman and will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who had the pleasure of crossing her path.
Norma is preceded in death by her Parents, as well as her Husband, Jack C. Baker, the two were married on March 14, 1943, and built a wonderful life together. She also is reunited with her two Sisters, Inez Williamson and Katherine Moore.
Norma leaves behind a lasting legacy with her Children, Zane (Sue) Baker, Barbara (Steve) Marker, and Jane (Gary) Benning. As well as her Grandchildren, Jeff (Sara) Baker, Mark (Kelley) Baker, Matt (Karmen) Marker, Ryan (Lori) Marker, Jessica (Eric) Osswald, Jason (Brittany) Benning, and Julie (Larry) Moore. Her Sister-In-Law, Vera Baker, 12 Great Grandchildren, 6 Great Great Grandchildren, and multiple Nieces and Nephews.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at 12:00 PM Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home with Pastor John Sgro officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home. There will be a burial to follow at Mote Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice in Greenville in Norma’s Memory.
Norma’s children would like to thank Everhart Hospice for taking such wonderful care of their mom during her final days. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Baker family.