Doris Wise Meyer Baker

Doris Wise Meyer Baker, 76, died Aug. 1, 2011, at Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage from heart failure.

She was born Jan. 2, 1935, in La Cross, Wash., to Elbert and Gertrude Wise. She died with her loved ones by her side, serenading her with her favorite hymns.

She graduated from Colfax High School in Colfax, Wash., then went on to secretarial college.

Doris was a longtime Alaska resident having moved here with her husband and two daughters in January 1963. She experienced the 1964 earthquake while they lived in Anchorage, then in 1965 the family moved to Palmer. In Palmer, she worked at different jobs as the need arose. She was the secretary to the school nurse, secretary for the Experiment Station and retired from the city of Palmer as secretary to the city clerk.

But the most important work she ever did was the endless, selfless service she gave to her husband and four kids at home. Every year she processed a huge garden, greenhouse, a moose, rabbits, ducks, geese and more fish than the family could count. She loved to cook, bake and sew, and made sure her kids were taught those skills. She volunteered in her daughters’ 4-H Club where she taught classes. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She sang in the church choir and held several different positions of service.

She is survived by her second husband of 16 years, Carl Baker; his five children and 14 grandchildren; daughters, Holly Saunders and husband Craig and their four children and 12 grandchildren; Karla Grinnell and her three children and three grandchildren; Kris Owens and husband Michael and their seven children and two grandchildren, all of Palmer; son, Jace Meyer and wife Kay and their six children of Glendale, Ariz.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Elbert and Gertrude Wise; first husband, Harry Meyer; four older brothers, Howard, Kenneth, Ray and Richard Wise; one granddaughter and one great-grandson.

Doris’ funeral is at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palmer at 1 p.m., Aug. 8. Viewing is at noon with services to follow from 1 to 2 p.m. Interment follows the service at the Butte’s Valley Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon and celebration of her life slideshow will follow at the church.

Pallbearers are Craig Saunders, Mike Owens, Royston Baker, Jace Meyer, Travis Saunders and Wayne Owens.

Doris will always be known for her adventurous spirit and many musical talents. She was a wonderful wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandma. Her loving kindness and sharing heart have touched the lives of hundreds and she will be missed dearly.