Geraldine D. Baker

     Geraldine D. “Skookie” Baker, age 86, of Morganton, NC, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at her home.
     Graveside Services will be held at Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, New York, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the cemetery.
     Geraldine was born in Niagara Falls, New York, on December 17, 1938, the daughter of Samuel A. and Margaret D. (Clarke) Muraca. She married James Paul “Jimmy” Baker, Jr., on May 27, 1962, in Lewiston, New York. They celebrated fifty-two years of marriage, prior to his passing on May 29, 2014.
     Skookie loved attending music concerts during the summer, loved going out for Chinese food; loved spending time with her family, and her family trips going home to see family in New York. She enjoyed sitting outside in the summer soaking up the sun, and she loved the Buffalo Bills.
     Skookie is survived by her children: Terri Gilkerson and fiancé Darryl Hurt of Morganton, NC; Kristine Baker and fiancé Ronnie Hill of Valdese, NC; Ed and Dora Baker of Niagara Falls, NY; and Rick Baker of Morganton, NC; her nine grandchildren: Laurie, Charlie, Sean, Michael, Matthew, Ryan, Rylee, Destiny, and Dylan; nine great-grandchildren: Candace, Zoey, Kristopher, Kelsie, Devin, Layla, Alanah, Dominick, and Jaxson; and five great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Paul “Jimmy” Baker, Jr., her daughter Ronda Joy Baker, and her siblings: Luigi S. “Louie” Muraca, Gloria J. Smith, and Sally L. Robinson.
     Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.