It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Gloria Baker. She passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022, at the age of 90. We were fortunate to spend her last Mother’s Day and 90th birthday together just before she passed.

Gloria was born on May 20th, 1932, in Eureka. She was the first Grandchild born into a very large family. Her father Floyd Esmond Coon was one of 14 siblings. Needless to say, they were very excited to meet this adorable little girl. Her grandmother, Mable Coon loved having a new baby girl to snuggle with, patiently waiting for the day she could teach her how to embroider. Gloria loved spending time with her great grandmother Nanna Ellen Perkins (Curless). There was no shortage of love in the family.

Gloria’s mother, Hazel Curless (Coon), made sure to keep her busy with ballet lessons. She also participated in beauty contests beginning when she was about four years old. We are thankful that Hazel was quite the scrapbooker of Gloria’s activities, and that her father Floyd was a professional photographer, capturing all of her special moments and filling several photo albums that we will cherish.

Gloria truly appreciated the simple things in life. She enjoyed feeding the pigeons on the boardwalk and spending the day at the Sequoia Park Zoo. She loved sitting in her backyard enjoying her flowers, listening to old-time country music, and attending services at The First Baptist Church in Eureka. She also participated in a senior citizen exercise class for approximately 19 years and was known for adding a few of her own dance moves. She always loved to dance.  

When Gloria was about 16, she met a boy named Stanley Irvine, at the local skating rink. A few months later he joined the Navy. They lost contact with each other, and then just by chance they met up about 45 years later and spent many happy years together.  

Gloria cherished her children Danny Rossiter and wife Elaine, Peggy Baker (Annis), and her husband Bob Annis and her son Kenny Baker. It brings comfort to the family that she will be reunited with her sweet daughter Donna Baker (Jenkins) in heaven. Gloria did not doubt that she would be reunited with those that went before her. She had six grandchildren that she adored and they adored her right back: Lisa Hughes (Cannon), Chris Sullivan, Chuck Baker, Kevin Rossiter, Ashley Jenkins (Gouthier), and James Walker. Great Grandchildren. Ethan Sullivan, Brady Cannon, Bryce Cannon, Morgan Sullivan, Rueben Gouthier, Noah Walker, Ryan Baker, Sadie Baker, and Case Sullivan. 

Gloria will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved her. Next time you visit the zoo please say hello to her favorite river otters for her!

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