Martha Baker

A steadfast source of strength, encouragement, and unconditional love, Martha Baker was the heartbeat of her family. She exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved, and she faced every challenge that came her way with grace and determination. There was nothing that brought Martha greater joy than being surrounded by her loved ones, and she could find such happiness in even the simplest moments spent with her friends and family. The humble and selfless way she went above and beyond to care for those around her will never be forgotten. Martha will be forever loved and cherished.

The late 1940s was a very influential chapter of history here in the United States of America. The end of WWII just a few years before ushered the world into an era of peace and healing. The economy was thriving, and the historic baby boom was underway. In the world of pop culture, jazz music was still wildly popular while rock n’ roll and country music were gaining attention as well. It was during this exciting time that Martha made her entrance into the world. Born on April 15th of 1947, Martha Jean was welcomed by her parents, John and Mary Johnson of Corning, Arkansas.

Throughout her childhood, Martha came to be known by her nickname, “Bootsie,” following in the family tradition of giving each member a special nickname. When she was young, Martha moved with her family to Michigan. She was raised alongside her siblings, Marvin and Trudy. Martha left high school as a young teenager in order to help provide for her family and care for her siblings. Her experience shaped her as a nurturer and tenderhearted caretaker.

As all who knew Martha can attest, her family was undoubtedly her greatest treasure. Over the years, she was overjoyed to become a mother to her four children, Joe, Tammy, Rich, and John. Martha’s kids were the light of her life, and she poured everything she had into raising her children. In addition to caring for her own family, Martha worked as a nurse’s aid for many years, giving her the opportunity to care for her patients as well. She enjoyed working with the doctors and patients at Kent Community Hospital.

Martha was overjoyed to marry her second husband, Hal Baker. His work took the two all over the United States, including Wyoming, but to Martha, home was always in Michigan. She loved traveling but was always content to be close to home, spending time with family. Holidays were always celebrated with a big family gathering. Later in life, Martha was thrilled to become an adoring grandmother to Justin, Austin, Breanna, Diana, Danielle, Emma, Max, and Alyssa. Her grandkids were her pride and joy, and she took every chance to dote on them. Martha even got to welcome eleven great-grandchildren into the world.

When she wasn’t with her friends and family, Martha loved canning, cooking, and baking, often for her loved ones. She was always a gracious host. Martha enjoyed listening to music, and she was a lifelong fan of Elvis. Yellow roses were her favorite. Martha’s faith was her firm foundation. Psalm 23 and John 3:16 were truly written on her heart. Martha’s deepest desire was that everyone would find their way to the Lord and get to experience the same fulfillment and peace she found in her faith.

As we gather to honor the life of Martha Baker, it is easy to see both her unwavering loyalty to her loved ones and the strength that came from her unshakeable trust in the Lord. She found such contentment in the simple joys of life. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha was wholeheartedly devoted to her loved ones, and she considered herself blessed to watch her family grow and flourish. Her legacy of compassion and generosity stands as both an inspiration to look up to and a challenge for those she leaves behind to follow in her footsteps. Martha’s loved ones can celebrate that she is Home with her Savior at last.

Martha Jean Baker, 79, of Grand Rapids, passed away on September 16, 2026. She was born on April 15, 1947, the daughter of John and Mary Johnson. She is survived by her children: Jerry “Joe” VanZyll, Tammy VanZyll, Rich (Jen) VanZyll, and John (Jessica) Baker; grandchildren: Justin (Miranda), Austin (Ashley), Breanna (Eric), Diana (Zack), Danielle (Blake), Emma, Max, and Alyssa; 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter: Traci; and siblings: Marvin and Trudy. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 1:00 P.M. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes- Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at Rosedale Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions may be made according to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit, www.herritagelifestory.com