Ione A. Baker, age 90, of Eau Claire was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, September 11, 2007. Born on April 11, 1917, to George and Johanna (Olson) Gilbertson, Ione lived most of her life on "The Flats" on Eau Claire's north side. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. She attended Eau Claire schools, graduating with the class of 1935 from Eau Claire Senior High. On August 21, 1943, Ione married Everett T. Baker at First Lutheran, and the two became an inspiration as a couple.\r\nHer working career was spent at various retail locations and Ione retired as a manager at Ed Phillips and Sons. Without a doubt, she considered her most important job that of wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt to her large extended family. She loved her family and spent much time and energy making holidays and special times memorable.\r\nSurviving Ione is Everett, her husband of 64 years; two sons, Jeffery (Charlien) Baker of Pinedale, AZ and Michael (Karen) Baker of Eau Claire; four grandchildren, Ali Kay (Ben) Curtis, Jamison, Megan, and Tore Baker; three great-grandsons, Charlie and Dylan Curtis and Austin Baker; brother, Roger Gilbertson of Eau Claire; and sister-in-law, Edith Gilbertson of Chippewa Falls. Lifelong best friend, Ruth Ruprich of Oshkosh and special cousin, Mitzi Woletz of Eau Claire also survive her. She is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends. Her friends from Forest Street and more recently, The Meadows, were sources of many happy times. \r\nPreceding Ione in death were her parents; and nine siblings, Elmer (Margaret), Lester (Loraine), Harold (Ruth), Helen, Otillia, Gladys, Vernon (Lorinda), and Howard Gilbertson, and Geraldine (Gale) Gunderson.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2007, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Amy Odgren officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. \r\nThe family suggests memorials to First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703 or a charity of the donor's choice.

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