Lisa Kay Baker
Lisa Kay Baker, age 61, of Shelby, died Thursday morning, January 25, 2024 at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital.
Lisa was born September 13, 1962 in Oregon, Ohio to Dennis L. and Sirje (Nepp) Welling. A 1980 graduate of Clay High School in Oregon, her education continued at Bowling Green State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music education. It was from BGSU that she would later earn her masters. Lisa remained, throughout her life, a fierce and loyal BGSU Falcon serving as a forever advocate, President of the BGSU Band Alumni Society, and a university mentor for student teachers at Bowling Green.
Mrs. Baker’s 30-year teaching career began in Shelby City Schools where she taught Jr. High School Choir and was the assistant for the High School band working, at that time, with Mr. Jack Gray and Mr. Michael Grady. She would later be promoted to Head Band Director following Mr. Gray’s retirement- a capacity in which she served until 2015 upon her own retirement. As Head Band Director she worked with Mr. Bryan Day and Mr. Tim Mayer to lead the pride of Shelby, the Shelby Whippet Band. Lisa was an integral part of 27 district superior ratings and no less than 20 state superior ratings.
Additionally, she was always proud of the SHS Band trips to Walt Disney World every four years and especially leading the band to entertain Disney World guests down Main Street USA. A highlight of each trip was not only their time at Disney but also to Coco Beach which, for some students, was their first trip to the ocean. Other band tours to highlight included trips to Washington DC especially playing in front of the Lincoln and FDR Memorials.
Regardless of ratings or awards, to Mrs. Baker it was always the students who were the most important- their growth and success. It is impossible to speak to how many lives she touched or what her impact was. Teaching was her joy, and her passion was inspiring. This can only be measured in graduations attended, wedding invites received, baby gifts given, minutes spent chatting in the grocery store, letters and thank yous written, and messages passed through family and friends; of these there are too many to count.
Lisa loved all her coworkers in not only the band but in all music departments including the Shelby Choir, led by Mr. Ray Vermilya and later Mr. Brian Nabors. Lisa had a cherished relationship with Brian Nabors, Bryan Day, and his wife, Michelle Day. Mr. Vermilya did not only have a relationship with Lisa as a co-worker, but, together with his wife, Linda, they became Shelby parents/grandparents to the Baker Family.
Lisa’s greatest hobby, beyond teaching and band, revolved entirely around quilting. She was a member of the Shelby Quilters Guild and, over the years, gifted many former students, colleagues, and friends with quilts- especially for their newborn children. She also loved to travel especially to the Outer Banks, Florida, and visiting family and friends.
Lisa was welcoming and an intensely supportive wife and mother, no matter the activity. She is survived by her husband, Terry D. Baker, whom she wed on August 17, 1985; her children: Zach (Mckenzie) Baker of Ogden, UT and Rachel Baker (Brandon Klein) of Columbus; her parents: Dennis L. and Sirje Welling of Oregon, OH; sister: Laura (Carey) Likens of Oregon, OH; brother: Jeff (Kelly) Welling of Sherwood, AR; mother-in-law: Pat Baker of Plymouth; sister-in-law: Lisa Dinger of Ontario, OH; and nephews and nieces: Christoffer Likens, Jakob Welling, Brooke Welling, Danielle Welling, and Andrew Dinger. Lisa was preceded in death by her father-in-law: Don Baker; paternal grandparents: Luther and Rachel (Stagner) Welling; and her maternal grandmother: Leili Nepp.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 2-6 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby High School Music Department for the benefit of the Band, Choir, and Whippet Theater. Contributions may be mailed to Shelby High School, 1 Whippet Way, Shelby, OH 44875 or left in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on Lisa’s obituary on the funeral home’s website or their Facebook page.
My heart is heavy. I will always remember Mrs. Baker fondly as a teacher! Sending my sincerest condolences to your family. Praying for you all during this difficult time!
Terry and family:
Jean and I are so saddened to learn of Lisa’s passing. She was a friend and for Jean a colleague. She gave so much to Shelby City Schools. Rest in peace Lisa.
Terry, Zach and Rachel,
Sorry for your loss. I have known Lisa since the 6th grade when I started in band. But some of my favorite memories are those we all shared as a “swim family” on the pool deck or camping out the the gym on those big invite days. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mrs Baker was a treasure and a spitfire of a teacher. I’ll never forget playing at Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort Main Street Electrical Parade.
Thank You for a lifetime of memories.
Something to always remember she was a large part of SHS history:
Gears Pulleys Chains was composed on commission for Lisa Baker’s marvelous ensemble, the Shelby High School Symphonic Band of Shelby, Ohio.
https://trnmusic.com/gears-pulleys-chains/
I am deeply saddened to see this obituary. I wasn’t apart of band. The interactions I had with Mrs Baker were through choir and Whippet Theatre. As a student, we didn’t see eye to eye. As an adult, I look back on our interactions with fondness. Mrs Baker taught her students to never settle for anything less than your best. Her expectations may have seemed out of reach, but she seemed to always know where your limits were. My heart is out to her children, family, fellow whippet theatre nerds, and band members. She will be deeply missed.
Bob & I send our most heartfelt sympathy to the entire Baker family. We thoroughly enjoyed our “Sunday School” meetings. We settled many of the world problem or at least tried. We will miss you so much Lisa but when the birds sing we will surely know it’s you. RIP dear friend. Until we meet again.
Terry and family I am so very sorry for your loss. ‘When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become a treasure.’ Please find comfort in friends and family.
I loved miss baker she was a beautiful woman with a very kind heart i’m so sorry she passed away i’ll keep her in my prayers she was an amazing substitute️
The best daughter-in-law a person could have. A talented gal whose life was cut way too short. Until we meet again Lisa.
Terry, Zach and Rachel, our hearts are heavy, knowing your loss. Lisa always had a smile and warm greeting, asking what our kids were doing now. She lit up a room with her smile and bubbly personality. In Jesus love, the McNary’s.
Our prayers are with Lisa’s family during this difficult time.
Words cannot even begin to express how sad we are about Lisa passing. She was an incredible person, teacher, and friend. I’m so thankful for the years of private lessons she gave me for piano and clarinet. Anyone remember the Stardust days? Somehow she got Leslie Stock (Snavely) and I up on stage doing a piano duet. Now, that is ALL Lisa! Ha ha! I found that duet piece a couple years back and sent it to Leslie. Music was and continues to be such an important part of our lives thanks to our gifted teacher. Lisa will always be in our hearts through music and friendship. The last couple of years, Lisa gave my daughter, Caylie, flute lessons from time to time when she ran into some challenging pieces of music. Caylie LOVED Lisa so much! Lisa has touched generations of people and that is quite special. She had a way of making everything fun and upbeat. With tears in my eyes, I wish you all peace and love. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Rest in peace, Lisa. We will forever miss you. ❤️
Jodie Dodge (Gurney) & The Dodge Family in Colorado
As Lisa would always say…GO FALCONS!
Terry and family:
I have no words. I am terribly sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. Take comfort in all the good that she did! Prayers for your family.
Mrs Baker has gone too soon and I wish comfort to the family from wonderful memories and knowing how many lives she touched. She was my flute instructor and accompanied me on many trips to compete. I recently remembered those times fondly as I broke out my flute after a 30 yr hiatus to help my middle school daughter to learn to play:) Blessings and much love to all grieving the loss of such a passionate and caring woman.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss and the only thing I can remember is how caring and motivated she was with music and family, I will miss her deeply.
Wow this is so sad to hear. So sorry for the loss of a great woman. She brought out the love of music for my daughter and will never be forgotten. Praying for the healing of this loss for family and friends.
Dear Terry and entire family,
I am so saddened learning of Lisa’s passing and for your huge loss! But I have so many happy memories from “back in the day” when we were far younger and thoughts of these times were so distant. Sending prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult journey, you are certainly not alone.
My deepest sympathy for the Baker family. My son was in the band so I knew Lisa through working concessions, etc. I enjoyed talking with her and she always had a beautiful smile! She will definitely be missed by the Shelby schools, and also by the community! Again I’m so sorry for your loss and may she rest in peace!
Seeing her suffering for the last weeks and now knowing she is at peace brings us peace. Of course, we r heart sick and will miss her terribly, but will never wish her back they way she left us. We have great memories to lean on. To know Lisa is to know her and Terry in your heart. There will be a hole in your heart for awhile – but her spirit will soon heal it over. She is with us but she is with God. God says I love you so much Lisa that I just want to be with you forever and let time go by.
The word superior is synonymous with Mrs. Baker, through her legacy of superior ratings under her direction, but more importantly as an individual. She was often the first person I saw each morning as I arrived to school, and the last one I saw when I left. I had the privilege of learning from her for six years. I learned music but more importantly she taught life. She was family and helped raise me into who I am today. I never wanted to let her down, and of all the activities and sports I participated in, band was the most worthwhile and it was because of her. I have countless memories from her kindness, high expectations, and her laugh and humor. I always wanted to be on her bus for trips because I knew it would be a blast! Thank you for everything Mrs. Baker, you have had a profound impact on my life! She was loved by her students and will certainly be missed. My thoughts go out to Mr. Baker, Zach, and Rachel.
I am so very sorry to hear that she is gone. She will always be one of my favorite teachers. My prayers go out to her family as they heal from this loss of a woman who was taken way too soon.
I am saddened to hear this. I remember when she dressed Zach up as a lion & showed him off in band! My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
My sincere sympathy to all of Lisa’s family and friends. I had many mutual friends with her, so our paths crossed many times over the years. She was always bubbly and energetic. Holding you all in my heart.
Mr. Baker, Zach and Rachel,
I can’t begin to tell you how much “Mrs. B” meant to me. She was my “second mom” in school. She taught me many life lessons that I will remember forever. My High School years were some of the best years of my life, and Mrs. B contributed to that happiness greatly. I could write a book about how impactful she was to me, my siblings, my cousin and my friends, as could hundreds of others. I’ve been out of school for 20 years, but my memories of Mrs. B seem like yesterday. She was taken much too soon. But I take solace in the knowledge that we will see her again with God, and what a day that will be. Love and prayers to your family.
Terry and family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Lisa’s passing. She was such a bright light in this world and is gone way too soon. I am holding you and your entire family in my heart and sending prayers of comfort during this most difficult time.
Terry, Lisa, Pat and families,
I am so sorry to read of Lisa’s passing. So many wonderful tributes to her.
My sincerest sympathy.
You will be deeply missed Mrs.Baker thanks for being a great teacher for the family
Lisa will be greatly missed. We worked together many years ago while she was working on her dream to be a band director. Always high energy and so much fun to be around.
So sad to hear of the passing of my friend, Lisa Baker. As a fellow graduates of BGSU and members of the Falcon Marching Band, we became fellow parents of FMB members. Seems like Lisa was always there when it came to FMB alumni gatherings. Such events will not be the same without her. My condolences to her many family and friends. We all feel your loss.
Huge condolences to Terry, Zach and Rachel. Lisa was such a fixture in the Shelby community and touched so many young lives. Just such a shock. I am very sorry for the pain of her loss.
Mrs.Baker was someone I looked up to in life she was always there for me when I was in school. She would always sub at our school. She would always give us valuable life lessons and I am sorry to hear that she has passed away she will be miss rest in piece
I loved miss baker she was a very kind heart i’m so sorry she passed away i’ll keep her in my prayers she was an amazing substitute️
My condolences to Lisa’s family. She was a trusted leader in the Ohio Music Education Association and a wonderful adjudicator. She will be deeply missed.
Terry, Zach,Rachel and the whole Baker Family: so so sorry to hear of your loss! I always had a great respect for Lisa. She was a great lady, and you were blessed to have her in your life as were so many other people Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! May God cradle you in the hard days to come and may Lisa rest in peace!
I was truly heartbroken hearing this news thursday morning. Mrs Baker was not only my favorite subsitute wether in the classroom or in the bandroom, but was also a kind hearted person. Mrs Baker and her gifts to peoples lives will be cherished by everyone and myself. We love and miss her very much.
Although I’ve only known Lisa a short time, she made an impact on my life as well as my son’s. I got to know her even better when she joined our Shelby Book Club last year, where she always offered great insight and humor. My heart is hurting over the loss of this friendship. I feel for her family and friends this great loss.
To Terry and the whole family.
I am heartbroken. Lisa was the kind of teacher I aspired to be. As I went into retirement, it was with great joy that I would have time to visit with her at adjudicated events and at the OMEA conference. She loved BGSU band as I did and that bond never goes away. You have my love as you go down this road. Lissie
I am so sorry for the family’s loss, this is truly so heartbreaking.
Mrs. Baker made such a huge impact on so very many lives, not only to the kids that she taught in one capacity or another, but to anyone that she met. I had the absolute privilege of being one of her students for several years. I learned so much about goals, life, and making beautiful music from her. She was such a huge mentor to me and always encouraged me to do better. I will never forget her for giving me a chance while I was in school, when no one else would, she truly helped me get where I am today.
I didn’t see her much since I graduated in 2000, which is for sure my loss. Hearing the news today of her passing absolutely makes me regret not getting back with some of my hometown people more often. I will still remember running into her while out running errands and our quick little conversations. We didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of things, typically political, but we still ended up respecting our differences. She taught me that you don’t always have to be on the same page to still remain friends. She never quit teaching me things about life and different view points. I will miss you Mrs. Baker, and I hope that you continue to teach people, both here on Earth, and the angels in Heaven.
Rest in Peace Lisa, for your pain is no more…
Lisa was always one of my favorite people in my time at Shelby. I enjoyed our talks and respected her enthusiasm and dedication to her students. I am saddened by her passing. Prayers for her family and friends.
Terry and family. I’m saddend to hear of your loss. I remember all the good times we all had at Clay High School. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So many memories and tears flowing about Lisa’s passing. I feel honored to have had her influence on my life. Lisa was my 7th grade band director, my piano teacher, our family friend and my supporter. Even up to this last year, she always kept up with my life and my family. Jodie (Gurney) Dodge and I will play Maple Leaf Rag in her honor next time we are together. My kids love music today because of what Lisa instilled in me as an influential and stubborn jr. high student. I will miss you Mrs. Baker. Sending love to your family.
It is so hard for me to believe that such a vibrant, energetic, spitfire such as Lisa Baker could be gone from this earth! It shocks me so much. All I can think is that she met her quota of helping young people to grow and mature and/or the good Lord needed a fiesty band director to keep the ornery angels in line for the heavenly choir! Such a job well done Lisa Baker! You have earned your angel wings for sure. I know deep in my heart that our son is a better human because of valuable lessons taught by you! Rest in peace forever more.
Terry & Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. This came as such a shock and is hard since we were BGSU classmates and the same age. Lisa and I didn’t always agree on some things recently, but we still had a healthy respect for one another. I’m sure she was an inspirational teacher because she was a great leader of others and of excellent character. She cared and she gave of herself to others for their benefit. I’m glad to have known her. She touched many lives in big and small ways. Blessings to all of you for peace and comfort from the Lord, our God, as you walk through the time of adjusting to your deep loss! Thinking of you all & praying for you!
My condolences to Mrs Baker’s family. I was one of the many band kids (class of ‘02) who benefited from her leadership and that of the other directors. Because of their stewardship, SWB is an institution and a family. Mrs Baker facilitated a culture of accountability: whether on the field, in the rehearsal room, or at concert. But she also fostered an environment where we could enjoy ourselves while developing into better musicians and a successful team. Finally, I’m grateful for the 2022 alumni band and appreciate now more than ever her role and enthusiasm in helping to organize the event. I didn’t know Mrs Baker on a personal level, but I hope she took a due measure of pride every time someone like me showed up to get the band back together.
Terry and Family-we are deeply saddened to learn of Lisa’s passing. She was a gifted musician and great teacher. So many fun memories spending time together with the Clay High Band. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry and family, I’m sorry for your loss. Times like this really make ya stop and think of all the good times in the past. You have to talk about those times and still laugh, life does go on. Prayers and thought to each of you!
Love ya all,
Cousin M.J.
I am so sorry for my cousin Terry and his children & his family’s loss! Hearing this news saddened my heart. With all she accomplished on this earth, God surely has some magnificent plans for her.
Dennis and Sirje, I am so for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you Lisa for being the wonderful person you were. Always a smile when we met. You were there through the years helping all five of my children grow with love of music and friendship. You will be dearly missed by our family and the Shelby community. RIP
Dennis and family,
My deepest sympathy to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Terry and family, we were very sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing. We ask our Lord’s blessing on you and your family. May God continue to bless you in these difficult days ahead. May God comfort you, and know that Lisa is now at peace. And her suffering is over. God love and protect you. Our sincerest condolences, Bob and Sherrie Haar.
I was 11-years-old in 1994 when I first met Mrs. Baker, and while I had her for a teacher for just 7 years, I counted her as a dear friend for 30 years.
At 41, it is hard for me to believe she was just 32-years-old when she taught me the basics of saxophone during beginners band the summer between 5th and 6th grade. She knew I would produce a better sound on a brass instrument, so I ended up going with the trombone. Mr. Gray taught the basics before school started, but having Mrs. Baker for band in both 6th and 7th grade really helped me establish a very strong foundation for skill and quality on the instrument. Even though her name wasn’t on the schedule or report card for 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th grade band, she still was very much my teacher during those years. Then as a senior in 2000-2001, my class was her first year as head band director.
While I’m definitely among the minority of her students still regularly playing my horn over 20 years after graduation, I am certainly lucky to be among the entirety of her students still living a better, more productive, successful, and happy life thanks to Mrs. Baker. She effortlessly intertwined important core human values, morals, and life lessons with every wave of her baton. We aren’t playing a Bb major scale or sight reading a David Holsinger piece in our daily lives as adults; however, we are working with others toward a common goal; we are respecting and appreciating the differences in others; we are learning about points of view, perspectives, and beliefs different from our own; we know to be aware of who we are and what we represent; we are engaged, productive citizens; and we always TBL.
Mrs. Baker was a positive, enthusiastic supporter of me, my siblings Adam and Alyse, my cousin Noah, and numerous other friends over the years. When I reached a rock-bottom point in my life and career, she was one of the first people who came forward with optimistic words of advice, sound counsel, and a helping hand. My instrumental and vocal talents certainly were nurtured and developed under her care, but my whole person—who I am today and who I will be going forward—is the real world equivalent of a superior rating to which I could not have asked for a better director, mentor, and friend.
While she has stepped off her earthly podium for the last time, the spirit of her words and deeds will forever keep us in tune, in step, and in rhythm.
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. Terry, Zach and Rachel please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill, Sue, Brooke & Ryan
Mrs. Baker was such an integral part of the most formative years of my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for band. From the start of 6th grade until I graduated–Band was the place where I received support, care, and acceptance to be me. She was a vibrant, loving, fun and creative teacher and brought so much life and joy to our days. I am forever grateful for the lessons she taught me over the years. She will be missed by many because she touched so many people’s lives. Blessings and prayers to the family as you navigate this loss. May you find the praise to celebrate her life as you move through your days of grief.
Terry and family we are saddened to hear of Lisa’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I will always remember the great times we had with the Clay High School Band.
Dennis and Sirje, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear daughter Lisa. My sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to you and yours at this time.
Our family has so many “Mrs. Baker” and band stories! What a blessing she was to so many of us. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Lisa ‘SUN” Baker was the CENTER of Shelby HS Universe for all the years she taught and served as Band Director at Shelby. A people person, a worker, and someone who fought for all of her students, programs, and of course her family. My deep, heart felt sympathizes go out to Terry, Zach, Rachel, and the rest of the family in your loss. She was always so proud of all of her family. The ‘SUN’ of the Shelby universe will still be shinning in all of the hearts of those that knew her. I have no doubts that the ‘SUN’ is now spreading her light out to others in her resting place. Praying for you all! A proud coworker of you! Mr. Scott Gurney
Pat, Terry & Family. I am sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in the days ahead.
Words fail me right now. Terrible loss for Shelby and all the young people she touched. We will miss her greatly.