Beverly Ann Baker

Beverly Ann “Bev” Baker (née Kehr), age 85, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, in Merced, California. Born on May 9, 1940, in Winfield, Kansas, Bev lived a life defined by service, faith, and deep connections with those around her.

A proud graduate of Udall High School in Udall, Kansas in 1958, Bev continued her education at secretarial school in Wichita, completing her training in 1959. These early accomplishments laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in public service. In 1971, she began working with the Welfare Department of Merced County. Over the next thirty-plus years, Bev’s dedication and compassion were evident as she advanced from working in Commodities to becoming an Eligibility Worker and eventually a Supervisor. Her leadership and empathy left a lasting impact on countless individuals and families.

In 1993, Bev became part of the MAGIC team—an initiative that modernized the Merced County Welfare System through automation. Her involvement demonstrated not only her adaptability but also her commitment to improving systems for the benefit of others. She retired in 2003 after more than three decades of meaningful service.

Bev was also a devoted member of Atwater United Methodist Church. Her faith was central to her life, and she served faithfully on numerous church committees including Finance and Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). She was active in the Methodist Women of Faith organization, where she held various leadership roles. Her contributions reflected her enduring commitment to both spiritual growth and community support.

In her personal life, Bev shared many joyful years with her beloved husband, Raymond E. Baker. Together they enjoyed square dancing and participating in bowling leagues—activities that brought them closer together and fostered friendships within their community. They also loved to travel, especially taking cruises and trips with friends.

Bev found joy in simple pleasures: reading a good book, watching movies or television shows she enjoyed, and spending quality time with loved ones. She especially treasured her regular gatherings with the “Lunch Bunch,” a close-knit group whose laughter-filled meals were a highlight of her week.

She is lovingly remembered by her eldest daughter Rae Ann (Baker) Armstrong and husband Paul; her youngest daughter Lorri Baker; grandchildren Clint Armstrong (Maria), Victoria (Armstrong) Smith (Daniel), Vivienne (Armstrong) Taylor (Justin), and Lionel Armstrong (Skye); as well as ten great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her later years.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents Lionel and Julia Kehr; her husband Raymond E. Baker; and granddaughter Marjorri Armstrong.

Those who knew Bev will remember her as generous, empathetic, highly organized, faithful, and both a leader and servant at heart. Her ready laugh—whether at a friend’s joke or at herself—was matched only by the warmth she extended to everyone around her.

A Visitation will be held on June 24, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wilson Family Funeral Chapel, Inc., 1290 Winton Way. A Memorial Service will follow on June 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Atwater United Methodist Church, 2550 Linden Street. A Celebration of Life will take place later that day from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Arnold Barn, 8250 Fruitland Ave., where an open mic will be available for friends and family to share fond memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beverly’s name to:

Atwater United Methodist Church 

2550 Linden Street 

Atwater, CA 95301 

Shriners Children's Hospital 

c/o Office of Philanthropy 

2900 N. Rocky Point Drive 

Tampa, FL 33607 

or online at [https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/](https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/) 

American Heart Association 

Donate online at [https://www.heart.org/en/why-give](https://www.heart.org/en/why-give) 

Beverly Ann “Bev” Baker leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and humor that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

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