Born Oct. 4, 1911, she was the daughter of William and Louise Richards, and granddaughter of Maximiliana and Frederick William Bechtold of Bellaire. She was predeceased by her husband Wesley R. Baker in 1998. She was also predeceased by her brothers William "Mim" Richards and George "Bud" Richards.

She is survived by her sons, David Wesley Baker and his wife Carole of Amelia Island, Fla., William Albert Baker and his wife Linda of North Hero, Vt., and Robert John Baker and his wife Priscilla, of Naperville, Ill. Irma leaves nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Irma enjoyed music throughout her life. She taught piano to children for many years, played the organ at the Greenfield Village School, and multiple churches in Dearborn, Mich. After moving to Friendship Village in Schaumburg, Ill., she played organ and piano for church services there. She last played for services in mid-December 2007.

Irma and Wesley both attended Albion College and were deeply interested in world affairs and the needs of others throughout their lives. After retiring to Torch Lake, they attended the Bellaire Methodist Church, supported the initiation of the Grass River Natural Area and Irma became a member of the Bellaire literary society.

Throughout their lives, family was their first priority and many joyful family events occurred at their home on Torch Lake, including summer vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, pig roasts, water sports and cookouts. After Wesley's death, Irma and her three sons and their wives enjoyed cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal to Costa Rica. Family and friends will gather in Bellaire July 19, 2008 to celebrate Irma's life.