Elrita James Baker

Elrita James Baker was born Aug. 2, 1944 to Pearl and Lem Azlin in Wewoka. She departed this life on Feb. 18, 2023 at 78 years old. Elrita was a graduate of Wewoka High School and grew up working on her family’s dairy farm, often with her brother Hoss. She married her sweetheart Harold Baker Aug. 16, 1975. After they married, Elrita and her children moved to Bristow to live with him where she worked at Walmart for 25 years; although her ultimate dream was to be a schoolteacher. Elrita had five children: Victor, John, Wendy, Arnell, and Billy – just when you would think she had her hands full with those five, she cared for more “kids” than we can count.

She was survived by her brother Jerry “Hoss” and Tia Azlin, of Shawnee, her children, Victor and Jody Williams, of Braggs; Arnell and Kevin Rogers, of Bixby, Billy Williams and Charlee, of Bristow, and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Elrita, or better known as Nanny, lived her life with an open-door policy. Anyone who needed a soft, yet stern, place to land made their way to her doorstep. She was honesty when it wasn’t wanted, and love when it was needed. She was strength in weakness and the ship in a storm. Her love was unquestionable and generosity unlimited. Nanny was her family’s stability and a safety for the broken. When asked about her life, she would say “I am so blessed, and I don’t know why.” With her, God made a way for those who were lost and needed a place to call home.

Elrita was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse Harold, her sisters, Essie, Ann, Phyllis, and Sandy, and two of her children Wendy and John. She was an example of how to be strong when loved ones are lost. She challenged herself to overcome obstacles with her head humbly held high and challenged anyone who asked to do the same.

Her services will be held Feb. 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Bristow. Viewing for the public took place Feb. 22 , 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Hutchins Maple Funeral home in Bristow.

In honor of how she lived, there will be an open door for anyone who would like to join the commemoration of the gift she was, as we accept the challenge to continue our own lives with our heads held high.

Online condolences maybe made to the family at www. hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.

com.