Ruth Ann Bark Baker's Obituary
Big Rapids-Ruth Ann Bark Baker, 74, of Fairbanks, Alaska passed away April 18, 2016 at Denali Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was born February 3, 1942 in Big Rapids, MI to Charlie Bark and Phyllis Cummings Bark. She grew up in Barryton, MI and graduated from Barryton High School in 1960. On June 30, 1961 she married Chester L. Cope of Grand Rapids, MI. They had two sons, Randy and Ken Cope, of MI. In 1975 Ruth Ann moved to Seward, AK, then to Anchorage, and on to Fairbanks. In 1984 she married Matt Baker and together they owned and operated a gift shop at Alaskaland, for which they made most of their own "genuine Alaskan souvenirs". Ruth Ann was a school bus driver in MI and AK. She loved ceramics and produced and sold many made from Alaskan Clay to gift shops and made product for her own shop. She worked as a tour guide for the City of Fairbanks and also as a C.N.A. Ruth was a nature lover, loved gardening, flowers, birding, fishing, moose hunting, snowmobiling, and trail riding or boating "up the river" to her beloved cabin on the Salcha River. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Matt Baker. She is survived by her long-time partner, companion, and care giver, Jerry Anderson. Her sons, Randy (Linda) and Ken (Teresa) Cope; five grandchildren, Joe, Charlie ,Heather, Bradley, and Sarah Cope; two great grandchildren, Nicole and Curtis Cope; eight step-children; five step-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; her brother, Jack (Cathy) Bark of Barryton; sister, Rebecca (Jim) Bowman of Big Rapids; long-time friends, Richard and Kay D. Johnson of Salcha, AK; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service for Ruth Ann will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., with a luncheon to follow at the Fort Township Community Building in Barryton, MI.
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