Doris F. Baker

Doris F. Baker, 91, of Fort Dodge, IA, died Sunday, February 7, 2021, at the Marian Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, 127 N. 10th Street, with Rev. Andrea Kraushaar officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the Historic Bruce Funeral Home, 923 1st Avenue South. Interment will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Lehigh, IA. Services will also be live streamed via our Historic Bruce Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Doris was born May 25, 1929, in Fort Dodge, the daughter of Walter and Rena (Craven) Espinoza. She attended school in Fort Dodge. At the age of 21, Doris met the love of her life, Merlen Baker. The couple married on October 5, 1950, in Austin, MN. Doris worked for Tobin Manufacturing and later for the school lunch program at South Jr. High.

Doris loved her children and grandchildren and would do anything for them. She enjoyed going to their church and school programs, sporting events, graduations and weddings. In her pastime she loved to crochet and embroidery and made beautiful doilies, afghans and dish towels that she gave to family members. When her daughters were young she prided herself on making matching Easter dresses for them and herself. There is nothing she wouldn't try. At Christmas time she made homemade candy and treats which her granddaughters later helped her with. Doris also received many visits from the neighbor kids as they were excited to receive her glazed donut holes. She was an excellent bowler and bowled on a league and enjoyed going to tournaments. She also enjoyed archery, camping and fishing – she often caught the biggest fish. She enjoyed playing BINGO and a trip now and then to the casino. Putting together puzzles was another hobby and she had a system to make it simpler. Doris also had a great sense of humor. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Doris is survived by 2 daughters: Pamela (Michael) McLary of Fort Dodge and Sheree (Bill) Holmstrom of Hampton, IA; 4 grandchildren: Michelle Doyen, Erin (Jeff) Pederson, Laura (Aaron) Lester and Shannon (Bill) Armstrong; 10 great grandchildren: Maisie Hansen, Chase Lester, Hunter Leeper, Braydie Doyen, Gabby Armstrong, Layne Lester, Nora Pederson, Gracie Pederson, Finley Armstrong and Brex Armstrong; 6 great great grandchildren: Willow, Anchor & Olive Hansen, and R.J. & Sawyer Fors, and Berkley Leeper; and 7 siblings: Rosie Espinoza, Jesse Espinoza, Donny Espinoza, Raymond Espinoza, Ronald Espinoza, Richard Espinoza and Roy Espinoza.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Merlen in 2016; twin brother: Morris Espinoza; and 8 siblings: Betty Jorgenson, Mary Rosalez Alvarez, Nora Henning, Francis Espinoza, Francis Lynn Espinoza, Bill Espinoza, Paul Espinoza and Bobby Espinoza.