Obituary: Virginia M. (Davidson) Baker

Virginia M. (Davidson) Baker, born May 20, 1925, in Richmond, Calif., died Sept. 7, 2009, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Spirited, smart, loving and loyal, Ginnie had an irreverent sense of humor and she

lived an interesting and remarkable life.

At 17, wanting to be of service to her country during wartime, she lied on an application to get a job at the Benicia, Calif., arsenal. She was hired and then promptly fired when the Navy Personnel office discovered her real age. Several years later, the Navy hired her back and she worked at the Naval Supply Depot in Guam with her husband, Arch D. Baker, who was also employed by the Navy.

In 1959, she and her family returned to the States and settled in Prescott, Ariz. She went to work for the Prescott Evening Courier in 1960 as a proofreader. Having no background or training in the newspaper business, she was undaunted and worked hard to

learn all aspects of journalism. In 1969, she was made managing editor and, as a journalist and editor, she won many state and national awards. Some of her work, including what she contributed to the centennial issue of the Courier, is archived in the Sharlot Hall

Museum in Prescott.

Ginnie was a member of the Toastmistress Club and the Business & Professional Women's Clubs, where she served a term as President. Ahead of her time, she championed women in the workplace and advocated on their behalf.

She moved to California to be near her daughter following the death of her husband. Ginnie helped her son-in-law run his business and also had time to travel, which was a true passion. For the past six years, Ginnie had been living in Scottsdale, Ariz.

She was proud of her family, which includes her son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Kay Baker of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter and son-in-law Stephanie and John Eggen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandsons Mark (Edith) Baker of Spring, Texas, Chris (Holly) Baker of Tucson, Ariz., and Johnny Eggen of Scottsdale; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Cristian and Edith S. Baker.

Information provided by survivors.