Shirley Ann Skinner was born Feb. 16, 1942 to George and Marie Baker in Eureka. She passed away after a short illness on Aug. 11, 2017, surrounded by her family. Shirley was the oldest of four children — George Baker II (wife Phyllis) of Frankfort, Ohio; Darrell Baker (wife Doris) of Hoopa; and Linda Arnold (late husband Mel) of Klamath Falls, Ore.

She is also survived by her four children — Sherie Bialous (husband Kurt) of Fortuna; Ronda Keating (husband Dave) of Klamath Falls; Jim Summers (wife Tina) of Santa Rosa and Bobbi Reid (husband Bobby) of Fortuna. She was blessed to have had 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Shirley grew up in Bullcreek and Weott, graduating from South Fork High School. She loved to move around and was often called a gypsy, but her home was always Humboldt County. When she was younger and raising her children she loved to go camping, go to the beach, spend time with family and travel.

Shirley was always young at heart and loved watching cartoons. Sponge Bob was her favorite. She enjoyed going to the casino and visiting friends there. She also loved talking on the phone and staying in touch with family and friends. She talked with her children and sister daily. She dog-sat for her family’s dogs and did housekeeping for many years, even owning her own business, which she loved. She will be missed by so many.

Shirley was a Christian and had a strong faith and loved the Lord. She talked to many people about God and knew she had a home with Him someday. She had the kindest soul and was one of the most loving people you could ever have met. She never had much financially but would give a stranger her last penny and did many times. She tried to help everyone she knew, especially her children. Her love for them was beyond words. When she couldn’t physically help someone she would always pray for them.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, George and Marie Baker, and her brother-in-law Mel Arnold.

Until God reunites us again.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 9, 2017 at Wood Street Chapel, 1649 Wood St., in Fortuna at 1 p.m. Donations in memory of Shirley may be made to the Families Advocating Autism Now, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the Cancer Society, as these all touched her heart.

The obituary above was submitted by Shirley Skinner’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.