Valnita Rae Baker

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Valnita Rae Baker, who departed this world on February 3, 2024. Born on September 21, 1936, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Val spent her childhood in Rapid City, where she graduated from Rapid City High School in 1954. She continued her education at the National School of Business before embarking on a beautiful journey of love and family.
On October 16, 1954, Valnita exchanged vows with Roland Baker, beginning a union that would last 63 years until Roland's passing. Together, they ventured to China Lake, California, where Roland pursued his career as a Mechanical Engineer. Val briefly worked at NOTS before dedicating herself to being a devoted stay-at-home mother to their two children, Rollie and Rhonda. Her nurturing spirit guided her to become actively involved in their upbringing, from teaching Sunday school to leading Cub Scouts and Brownie Scouts activities and being their biggest supporter in all their endeavors.

Val's love for music led her to sing in the Grace Lutheran choir for several years and participate in community performances of Handel's Messiah during the Christmas season, bringing joy to all who heard her voice. In 1973, the family relocated to Ridgecrest, California, where Val joined the Sierra Sands Unified School District as a secretary in 1974, serving diligently until her retirement in 1991.
In her retirement years, Val found immense joy in spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fulfilling a long-held desire to shower them with love and affection. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her.
Valnita was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Baker, her son, Roland and Robin Baker Jr., and her daughter, Rhonda Rae Capron. While we mourn her passing, we find solace in the countless memories she leaves behind and the love that will continue to guide us.

Valnita is survived by her sisters Marla Larson and Darlene Anderson of Long Beach, CA, her grandson Justin Agee and Veronica Alcala, of Bakersfield CA, her granddaughters Amber and Matthew Timour, of Virginia, and Jessica and Thomas O'Connor of Virginia. As well as grandsons Billy and Vada Capron, Josh, Jake, Jason, and Jeff and granddaughter Jenna. Her legacy also lives on through her great-grandchildren: Angel, Elijah, Brandon, Isaiah, Levi, Ava, Emma, Evelyn, Katie, Kallie, and Caleb. She is also survived by Son-In-Law Dave and Melody Adair, Bill and Deborah Capron, and dear family friends Renda and Mike Childers, and Shadia and Alan Smith. Their lives are a testament to the love and warmth she shared with each generation of her family. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A celebration of Valnita's life will be held on March 16th 2024 at The Lighthouse, 111 N. Balsam, Ridgecrest, CA to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her celebration of life will commence at 11:00am, followed by a graveside service and reception. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones who went before her.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lighthouse to support their many outreach programs