Reita F. Baker

Reita F. Baker, 73, of 1169 Congress Hill Road, Franklin, died at 3:08 a.m., Sunday, March 13, 2011 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. Born June 21, 1937 in Oliphant, Arkansas, Reita was the daughter of the late Jesse and Faye Fisher Redman. She was employed by Franklin High School, from 1975 to 1995, and worked in the cafeteria. Reita was a member of the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, where she was a member of the Senior Saints Group and the Women's Sewing Circle. She was also the one-time Hospitality Chairman for the church. Reita was also a volunteer for the Red Cross Blood Mobile. Reita was married on April 9, 1954 to Merle S. Baker, who survives. She is also survived by her four sons, Merle A. Baker and his wife, Patty of Franklin, Dennis E. Baker and his wife, Gail of Franklin, Jerry D. Baker of Lexington Park, MD, and Jesse L. Baker and his wife, Shelly of Franklin; three daughters, Cheryl F. Hawkins and her husband, Robert of Stoneboro, Lisa A. Pratt and her husband, Scott of Oil City, and Penny S. Borland and her husband, Michael of Franklin; her brother, Darrell Redman and his wife, Jeanne of Sacramento, CA; 17 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Elva Redman of Wheatland, CA; a brother-in-law, David West of Marysville, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Reita was preceded in death her brother, Jesse Redman; her sister, Glenda West; and her son-in-law, Rodney Phillips. Friends will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, 160 Atlantic Avenue, Franklin, with the Rev. Gary Small, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will follow in Morrison Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, 160 Atlantic Avenue, Franklin, PA 16323. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.