Charlene Mae Baker

Charlene Mae (Strandt) Baker, age 79, of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, August 1, 2025. She was born August 10, 1945, in Allegan, Michigan, to the late Howard and Alma (Huggins) Strandt. Charlene graduated from Plainwell High School with the class of 1969. She married the love of her life, Benny James Baker on July 17, 1965, in Plainwell, MI. The couple celebrated 42 years of marriage together before he passed away on September 26, 2007.

Charlene enjoyed time with Benny and traveling. She took care of her parents, aunts and brothers and was a terrific mother and grandmother who loved her family dearly. She spent many of her working years as a secretary for James Narrigan Law Firm. She retired in her late 50’s and in her retirement enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and band kids.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah (Baker) Thomas, Cheryl Baker, and Susan (Baker) Smith; grandkids, April (John) Eldridge, Jessica Medina, Jake Ransnake, Josh Oetman, Chelsea Oetman, and Noah Baker; great-grandkids, John, Allen, and Juan.

Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Benny; her parents, Howard and Alma Strandt; brothers, Charles and Wendall Strandt; sons-in-law, Norman Smith and Robert Thomas; and granddaughter, Victoria.

Per Charlene’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held at a later date where she will be reunited with Benny at Hillside Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Wings of Hope Hospice for their care and compassion, which helped allow Charlene to stay at home in her final days.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Charlene’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.