Racine – Ruth J. Baker, 89, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescence Center on Monday, August 1, 2011. She was born in Rhinelander on October 16, 1921, the daughter of the late James and Hilma (nee: Johnson) Fredrickson. On May 24, 1952 she was married to Robert C. Baker. Following their marriage they moved to Racine.

Ruth was employed at Oster Mfg. for many years. She also worked for 16 years at Dremel Mfg., retiring in 1984. Ruth enjoyed being with family and friends, and spending weekends with family in their mobile home at Lake Puckaway. After retiring she loved to travel with her husband, Bob, and they spent many winters in New Port Richey, Florida. She and Bob were inseparable until he preceded her in death on February 18, 2008.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Judith (William) Penn, and Carolyn Fitzgerald both of Racine; step-daughter, Cheryl (Lou) Verrecchia of Surprise, Arizona; and step-son, Charles (Gayle) Baker of Yakima, Washington; grandchildren, Thomas Penn of Racine, Denise Penn Gerressen of Anthem, Arizona, David (Donna) Penn, and Laurie Penn (Justin) Mayer both of Scottsdale, Arizona, James, and Jeffrey Fitzgerald both of Waterford; Jason Ashmore of Huntington Beach, California, and Christopher Baker of Lynden, Washington; 13 great-grandchildren; special niece, Jean Luethy of Racine; as well as other nieces, nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, and friends. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Janet Fitzgerald; her sisters, Violet Luethy and Hazel Skubal; and her brothers, James and John Fredrickson.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011 with Rev. Jeffery M. Thielen officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. All are invited to visit with the family in the funeral home on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m., and on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m.