Judy Martin Baker 11/7/1953 ~ 4/24/2014 Judy Baker, 60, longtime Ogallala resident, died Thursday, April 24, 2014, in her home. Judy was born November 7, 1953 in Walsenburg, Colo., the daughter of Vernon and Grace (Nelson) Martin. She attended school in Walsenburg, graduating in 1970. Judy worked at the Walsenburg Nursing Home until she was united in marriage to Don Baker on October 6, 1972 in Redwing, Colo. The couple moved to Clayton, NM where Don ranched and Judy was a mother and homemaker. In 1978, they moved to Slater, Colo. She was employed in the one room Slater Post Office. In 1986, they located to Ogallala and Judy was employed as a nurses aid at Indian Hills Manor. She took classes to become a Certified Nursing Aid and eventually achieved her Certified Medical Aid license. Judy then worked for Home Health Care and serviced clients in Deuel, Perkins, Keith and Arthur counties for several years. She took a break from adult care when she completed Medical Transcriptionist Training while providing daycare for her
grandchildren. She survived the tornado of 2007 after which she and Don rebuilt their home. In 2008 Judy began employment at Wel-life Assisted Living and retired in 2011. Judy’s hobbies included baking, photographing her grandchildren, scrapbooking, tending her flower gardens, doing jig saw puzzles, reading and crocheting baby blankets. Preceding her in death were her parents, two sisters: Elsie Wilburn and Phyllis Zudar; and two brothers: Ron Martin and Richard Martin. Survivors include her husband Don Baker and her daughters: Lisa (Gabe) Wilson and Patsy (Jake) VanHorn, all of Ogallala; two sisters: Betty (Ralph) Crites of Delores, Colo. and Kathy Martin-Kelley and her husband Mike of Loves Park, Ill. She is also survived by three brothers: Vernon Martin, Jr. of Oscala, FLA., Jim (Marie) Martin of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Larry (Mary) Martin of Muleshoe, Texas; three granddaughters: Brianna Wilson, Bailey VanHorn, and Annlyn Wilson; and three grandsons: Truman and Bryer Wilson and Jack VanHorn, all of Ogallala. The family chose cremation. The Memorial Service was Tuesday, April 29, at 11 a.m. in New Hope Church in Ogallala with Rev. Eric Wait officiating. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online Condolences may be sent to www.drauckerfuneralhome.com. Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.
