Doris E. (DeLong) Baker

Doris E. Baker, 98, of Zanesville, died Monday, May 15, 2017 at her residence.

Although she spent most of her life in Zanesville, she was born in Clover hill, Perry County, Ohio on October 12, 1918 the daughter of the late William and Isabel Moore DeLong.

She graduated from Lash High School in 1936 and from Cleveland College of Embalming. She passed the Ohio State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors exams, receiving both licenses in 1939, thus making her the only woman in the area to hold both licenses.

She joined the staff of the Bateman Memorial Home where her Father was manager and part owner. In 1990 Mrs. Baker was recognized by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors for her Fifty years as a licensed person.

On October 2, 1941, she married Herman Baker at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

After living briefly in Columbus, they returned to Zanesville joining her Father in the purchase of the Hearing Undertaking Company and changing the name to DeLong-Baker Funeral Home. She was Vice-President and upon the death of her Father became President of the funeral home.

Mrs. Baker Joined St. John’ Lutheran Church in 1930 and served in many capacities, such as Sunday School Teacher, President of the women’s organization, the Gloria Circle, endowment committee, and altar committee.

In 1944, she was invited to become a member of the Soroptimist International of Zanesville and was elected to several offices within that organization including President. On her retirement she was granted life membership and continued to support the club, especially the pecan sale which in turn supports the Juvenile Dental Clinic. In 2001 she received recognition as the member with the most years of service to the club. In 2016, Mrs. Baker was recognized as the oldest living member in the United States.

She joined the Senior Bethesda League in 1956 which is a volunteer  organization serving the hospital. She was on the board of the Salvation Army for several years.

She is survived  by two sons William (Robin) Baker of Broadview Heights, Ohio and Rev. and Mrs. J. Bruce (Julianne) Baker of Shohola, Pa., Granddaughter Sarah of Los Angeles, Ca. and several cousins one of whom is Jeannine McCutcheon of Flagler Beach, Florida and referred to Doris as “Aunt Doris”.

Friends may call from 4 pm to 7 pm Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home where services will be held Thursday at 10:00 am with Rev. J. Bruce Baker officiating. Interment will be at Roseville Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Christ Table or the Zanesville Soroptomist Club.

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