Florence Eileen “Flo” Baker
Florence Eileen “Flo” Baker, age 82, a lifelong Plymouth resident, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, September 18, 2025 at The Willows at Willard.
Florence was born April 27, 1943 in Shelby, the daughter of the late Dominic and Olive (Goin) Dorion. A 1961 graduate of Plymouth High School, she married her high school sweetheart, Earl Duane “Butch” Baker, on February 11, 1961. From saving her a seat on the bus every day from second grade on, through their loving 55 years of marriage, Flo and Butch had a lifetime of happy memories and adventures.
Flo exemplified the spirit of a devoted homemaker, finding profound joy in raising both her children and grandchildren. Her love for them was intense and unconditional. Together with Butch, Flo dedicated herself to providing for the family’s needs—tending the garden, canning its harvest, sewing clothes for her children, and ensuring every detail of their well-being was met. She generously gave her time as a classroom mother, den mother, and Girl Scout leader, in addition to actively volunteering in any of their involvements.
Flo instilled loving behavior among her children, teaching them that by caring for and playing with their siblings, they then, in turn, could play with others. Her grandchildren were all instilled with the same reminders to “make good choices and be careful,” and her heartfelt words, “remember, my life is in your hands.” Above all, Flo’s enduring message to her family was simple yet profound: “All you have to do to receive my love is breathe.”
After her children had grown and graduated from high school, Flo took a part-time job at RR Donnelley and Sons in Willard which she truly enjoyed for 15 years. She was an inventor in her own right, having designed, and made to completion, many gadgets and items before they ever existed to the common world. Taking inventor to a different level, she truly was the architect and designer of the home she and Butch built for themselves, which was laid out tastefully, practically, and perfectly.
Well known for her sass and high spirit, Flo was incredibly witty and funny to the end. A wonderful cook, she was a dear friend to a multitude of coffee drinkers at the Frontier Inn in downtown Plymouth. She was a passionate reader who found comfort and inspiration in the pages of her favorite books. Music was another of her lifelong loves; she not only enjoyed listening but also delighted in singing. Her gentle voice often used to calm stressful situations or family commotion, which we all know too well.
Surviving are her four children: Duane Scott Baker (Debbie Yuschak) of Shelby, Kelly (Jim) Shifferly of Delaware, Shannan (Ken) Jones of Shelby, and Lisa Baker of Shelby; grandchildren: Adam (Kristen) Baker, Kyle Baker, Ashley Medley, Jordan Baker, Justin Baker, Alexis Jones, Jared (Iris) Baker, and Nicole Jones; great grandchildren: Bryce, Gavin, Dean, Kyleigh, Reegan, Presley, Lila, Elliott, Clementine, Jonah, Scotty, and Gia; siblings: Marian Krisha and Mike (Cindy) Dorion; in-laws: Norma Dorion, Sandy Baker, Betty Vredenburgh, Donna Jean Kamann, Junior Baker, Dixie (John) Hart, Vicki Resendez, and Cindy (Doug) Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Flo was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Butch, on December 9, 2016; siblings: David Dorion, Jane Morse, Olive Anne Kempf, Benjamin Dorion, Francis Dorion, Jim Dorion, and Pat Dorion; her sister and best friend: Nora Lofland; and her best friend and sister by choice: Josephine Curpen.
The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the staff of The Willows at Willard and Buckeye Hospice for their loving care and gentle guidance given not only to Flo, but to the entire family.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10:30 am. Fr. Chris Mileski will officiate the services with burial following in Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. A meal and gathering will following the burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fr. Conces Hall, 119 Plymouth Street, Plymouth, OH 44865.
Condolences may be left on Flo’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Flo’s tribute video, click here: Flo’s tribute video.
To Shannan – my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know you loved your mama fiercely and are going to miss her terribly. My heart and prayers go out to you as you deal with this tremendous loss! Friends forever
Lisa and family.. so many great memories coming your way your house with my sister Nancy. Your mom was so fun and I know you all were her pride and joy❣️. So sorry for your loss but rest easy as she was met at the gates by Nora & Nancy
Lisa and family in so sorry for your loss… hugs and prayers.
Kelly, you and your family are in my prayers
To the whole Dorion family, our thoughts and prayers to the whole family With growing up just across the road from each other more memories made to mention just one or two, but a lifetime fun, experiences, childhood memories to always hold on to. Then Francine’s sister married Flo’s brother Mike and we all became family. ❤️ Please hold on to those memories made and the love Flo had for all of you. May God be with you all during this time and those times you will miss her. Find comfort in cherished memories and hold them all close to your hearts. Sincere condolences and love❤️
Scott. Kelly, Shannon, and Lisa,
My sincere sympathy and prayers for you and your families at this time. Aunt Florence was well loved and loved well.
Jackie Kempf
I will miss you greatly! I will love you always! Thank you for your kindness and love❤️ Scott, Kelly, Shannan and Lisa, I’m so sorry! ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss! I will always remember your Mom with such grace and beauty! My Sincere condolences to all the family.
Kelly, Shannon & Lisa…
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My heartfelt condolences go out to your entire family at this sad time.
Margie Remington
Scott, Kelly, Shannon and Lisa;
My first memory of Aunt Florence was when my dad was out of town and she came to live with my mom, Olive Ann, and me for a week. I remember watching her practice her cheerleading routines in our backyard. She was always exuberant. Darlene and I will keep her, your Dad and all of your families in our prayers.
Dan Kempf
To all the baker family. My deepest sympathies to you all. Florence was such a hoot. Always made me laugh. Now I know where Kelly got her quirkiness and Sass. You are in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers!
The Reeds and Dorions, and the Ousley ‘s pretty well filled the bus. Great memories of all the Dorions, especially Flo who was born 2days after me. Great memories of her and Butch. When I visit my family in Plymouth I drive past the old neighborhood. Those were the best of times.
Scott – and the entire Baker family, so sorry for your loss. Even with meeting Flo just a few times, it was evident she was a witty and loving person. That trait transcends through her children. May God bless you all and provide peace and comfort in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Kelly, Shannon, and Lisa my sincere condolences to you all. Many prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to you all. Florence was a great lady who will be missed for sure. God be with you at this hard time.
Scott and the Baker Sisters..very sorry to read about your mom passing, but boy did she have a wonderful and full life! Kelly, I’ll always remember the times at your house when we were just kids, your mom would always have a supply of sugar pops we could snack on! She is fondly remembered. God Bless and comfort you all. Anna Noble
Dear Kelly,
I was so saddend to hear of your Mother’s passing.
She was such a special person and I know how much you loved her. No words can take away your sorrow right now. I hope the love and memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead. I’m praying for you, Scott, Shannon, Lisa and your entire family. May God surround you with his peace and comfort you with the hope we have in Christ: I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25. Love you!
My deepest sympathy to you all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.