Surrounded by her family, Janis Elaine (Johnson) Baker, of Weston, Ohio passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus and was reunited with her husband of 61 years, Bill, on September 13, 2024 at home.
Born July 8, 1938 into the waiting hands of her father at 707 West Pearl Street in Bowling Green, Janis was the first born of Robert and Thelma (Bronson) Johnson. Although her mother told her she would be an only child, her parents later welcomed a brother and twin sisters, all of whom she remained close with until their passing.
Janis was raised in Bowling Green, graduating in 1956 from Bowling Green High School. In 1959 she was the October bride of William G. Baker of Weston in a small wedding attended by 35 family members at the Weston United Methodist Church parsonage. They made their home in Bowling Green before moving to Weston to raise their family. Janis remained in Weston for 57 years, residing 46 of those years in her Taylor Street home.
Janis raised four daughters and a son in the 60’s and then completed her family of six in 1983 at the age of 46 with the unexpected birth of her last child – a surprise to everyone, including herself (as she arrived at Wood County Hospital expecting to be admitted for abdominal pain) and her oldest daughter, who was six months pregnant with Janis’ second grandchild.
A mother of six is kept on her toes and this kept Janis young, active, and spry. Aside from a short stint as an assembly person at the former Triplett Corp. in Weston in the 1970’s, Janis spent her time maintaining her home and taking many grand day trips to visit family around Northwest Ohio and the Lake Erie Parks, always returning home to the chant of her children singing “we see Weston’s water tower!” As her children grew, Janis and Bill began taking summer fishing trips to Lake Michigan, returning home with plenty of fish, morels, and apples; all of which were turned into delicious meals. These trips to Lake Michigan led them to spending summers along the Maumee River at Wagner’s Campground for nearly 20 years. This vacation home made for many wonderful memories of summer holidays and birthdays spent around a campfire and rides on the pontoon.
Amazingly, Janis’ 86 years of adventure were accomplished without her ever holding a drivers license – a short lesson in the driveway and one brush with disaster was enough to convince her that her preferred mode of transportation was MarioKart. Keeping up with her youngest son and grandchildren in the age of technology required a different set of skills… this granny didn’t knit, purl, sew, or hit the bingo tables. She played video games and she played them well. Armed with her collection of gaming consoles that included the original Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and a subscription to Nintendo Power magazine, she was often the first in the family to have the newest games. A grandchild stuck on a quest to find Zelda required a phone call to Grandma for the answers. Her technology needs changed with the times, and as her body slowed down, she kept herself busy with her tablet and a host of games.
Ever creative, Janis was never content with her choice of home decor. In the 60’s and 70’s, she loved to change cabinet linings and frequently wallpapered the kitchen with contact paper that she sent her children purchase at Weston Supermarket. Later, paint colors, borders, and new curtains were changed on a regular basis; all the work done herself. She delighted in her patio and spent much time adding new perennials and container gardens to brighten up the space for entertaining family on Saturday nights. Her creativity was funneled into a business with Bill in the 90’s when they operated Bill & Jan’s Woodcrafts and set up shop at fairs and festivals around the county. Janis painted and designed each piece by hand.
A one-in-a-million lady, Janis leaves to remember her life: children, Elaine & Timothy Schroeder and Shelly & Thomas Cookson of Weston; Melinda & Charles Beason and Robert & Kristy (Polan) Baker of Grand Rapids; Tina Brents of Bowling Green; William S. & Robin (Newman) Baker of Bradner; two
sisters in law, Susan Hoile, Custar, and Gwen Baker, Toledo; two brothers in law, Lloyd Baker, Miamisburg, and Danny Baker, North Baltimore; adoring grandchildren; Joseph, Jeremy, Jamie, Nicole, Samantha, Adam, Derek, Lindsey, Jordan, Emily, Charles, Brandon, Braesyn, & Gavin; 20 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William, on March 29, 2021; her parents; grandson, Matthew E. Wilson; brother, Robert Neal; twin sisters, Evelyn “Ev” Dubois and Emily Stretchberry; 3 brothers in law (Richard Baker, Col. Daniel Hoile, & Gary Stretchberry) and 2 sisters in law (Barbara Rivera and Nan Baker).
Janis gave her heart to Jesus in 2015, along with Bill. Together, they faithfully attended Sonlight Church and were active members of the 50+ social group, Abraham & Sarah. Even as her mobility declined she attended services from the comfort of her recliner, armed with her tablet. Prior to her passing, she reconfirmed her life to Jesus.
The family would like to express its gratitude to Weston EMS and Heartland Hospice of Maumee for their compassionate care during Janis’ final hours.
A celebration honoring Janis’ life will be held Thursday, September 26 at Sonlight Church, Weston. Friends will be welcomed for visitation at 11am with service at noon with Rev. Doug Cooper and Rev. Chris Boggs officiating. Final interment will be at Weston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Janis’ memory to: Heartland Hospice, Weston EMS, Sonlight Church Kingdom Builders.
“…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green. www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
