Rose Baker

Rose Marie “Rosie” (Mooar) Baker, of East Lansing, Michigan, died on May 30, 2025 at the age of 93. She was born on Christmas, 1931, in Lansing, MI to Willard Mooar and Ada “Marie" (Nelson) Mooar. Rosie spent most of her childhood in East Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School in 1949, where she met future husband, Luther H. “Bud” Baker, whom she married a few days after obtaining her BA in English at Michigan State University. By nature a shy and quiet person, Rosie was thoughtful, kind, generous, and possessed a sharp, dry sense of humor. She made each of her friends, children and grandchildren feel as though they were her favorite. She always welcomed visitors with a jar of M&Ms on her counter and a tin of homemade cookies to offer. Rosie played piano and was a voracious reader. She enjoyed gardening and arranging the flowers she grew. She delighted in writing and receiving letters and kept in touch with family and close friends from her high school class who made good on their graduation pact to have a week-long reunion when Halley’s comet returned in 1986. As an adult, Rosie studied art and tried her hand at a variety of media: acrylics, oils and watercolors; batik; carving and painting duck decoys, fish and Santas. She found immense pleasure in art classes and the camaraderie with fellow artists, especially those taught by Gijsbert “Nick” van Frankenhuysen at Hazel Ridge Workshop and Gallery. She regularly attended art museums and was well-versed in art history. She was honored to have her paintings juried into local shows and donated artwork to several charitable causes including WKAR’s annual auction fundraiser. Her paintings and carvings are treasured by family and friends. Rosie had a fierce competitive streak. She loved to play bridge and be first in contests against her husband to solve crossword puzzles. She belonged to several bridge clubs, both contract and duplicate groups. She enjoyed time spent with family, friends and neighbors, and took great pleasure in attending concerts and musical theater productions. Rosie loved the Baker family summer cottage, established in 1909 on Crystal Lake near Frankfort. Nearby Point Betsie was her favorite place. Rosie is survived by: Daughters Jill Baker (Robin Wagner) and Tammy Baker Moeller (Stan); daughter-in-law Genie Wolfson; grandchildren Sam Baker, Lee Baker, Kate Spinillo (Christian), Kevin Yelvington and fiancée Lisa Palarz; great-grandsons Luca and Arlo Spinillo; brother Bill Mooar; sister-in-law Una (Baker) Davidson; several nieces and nephews; and her caregiver, Meghan Pineda. Rosie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bud Baker, in 2008, and by her son, Bruce, in 2024. Also predeceasing her were brother, Keith Mooar, and sister, Hazel “Tootsie” (Mooar) McNulty. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial service. Charitable contributions honoring her memory may be made to: Greater Lansing Food Bank, P.O. Box 16224 Lansing, MI 48901; Care Free Medical and Dental, 1100 W. Saginaw St. Suite 5, Lansing, MI 48915; or REACH Studio Art Center, 1804 S. Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48910.