Regina Baker

Regina Lou (Kehr) Baker passed away peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 12, 2025. She was 87.

Jean was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on June 11, 1937, to Nellie and Joseph Kehr. She lived in Elkhart and on Baldwin Lake in Michigan until 1985, when she moved to Pine Island, Florida, with her husband Jack Burton Baker. After Jack's death in 1991, she lived in Punta Gorda, Florida, until 2018. She then moved to Phoenix.

Jean is survived by her brother Curtis L. Kehr, her sons Scott Bales (Michele) and Charles A. Grady Jr. (Tina), and her stepchildren Jack "Jake" Baker Jr.; Vickie Baker; Susie VanTilburg; and Ted Baker. She also is survived by nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

As a child, Jean lived on farms in the Elkhart area. She attended a one-room grade school near Cassopolis, Michigan, with her brother and her younger sister Peggy, and then returned with her family to Elkhart in 1949. In 1955, she graduated as the salutatorian from Concord High School, where she was the yearbook editor and in the Debate Club, F.H.A., and the Booster Club.

Jean began working as a secretary and bookkeeper, and she eventually became the treasurer of Federal Press Company, an Elkhart-based manufacturer. After retiring to Florida, she enjoyed golf and fishing with Jack and friends, often hosting visitors from Indiana and Michigan. Jean loved dancing and music, mystery novels and word puzzles. Her faith was important in her life and she regularly attended services at the Episcopal Church.

Deeply proud of her family and loyal to her friends, Jean will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Joseph's Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona, to benefit the Huger Mercy Living Center, an innovative dementia care facility.

A family memorial will be held at a later date.