Obituary of Grace Baker

Grace (Simpson) Baker, age 98 of Ransomville, passed into the arms of her Lord on Sunday, June 12, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Grace was born November 8, 1917 in New Castle, PA, the daughter of the late Rev's Thomas and Hattie Simpson who were former pastors of the Ransomville Free Methodist Church. She was a 1934 graduate of Wilson High School and on March 11, 1939 she married Frank Baker and joined him in the operation of Frank Baker Farms in Ransomville. Grace was the first woman to be appointed to the NY State Agricultural Commission by Gov. Wilson, and was the first woman President of the Niagara County Farm Bureau, serving three terms. She was the Coordinator of a statewide Agricultural Youth Power Program; served many years on the Town of Porter Republican Committee, the Niagara County Planning Board, and the Town of Porter Zoning Board. Grace owned and operated a beauty shop in her home in Ransomville for 40 years. She attended the Ransomville United Methodist Church. An avid reader, Grace read her bible every day. Her love of God and family, and strong faith were most important to her. Her husband, Frank, predeceased her in 1981. She is survived by two sons, Peter (Barbara) and John (Karla) Baker; her grandchildren, Debra (Bill) Mussel, Jeffrey (Gloria) Baker, Susan Goodnough, Elizabeth (Frank) Shephard, Karyn Grace Baker and Jonathan Baker; 14 great grandchildren,1 great great grandchild,her former daughter in law, Karen Baker, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Mary Grace Luff; a granddaughter, Melissa Fazzolari; her siblings, Rev. Thomas B. Simpson, Joseph, Laura, Mary, Fletcher, and Hannahbelle. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Thursday from 4 - 8 pm. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 17, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home, with the Rev. Donald Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in North Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131.