Theresa Lavonne Baker

Theresa Lavonne Baker of Rhinelander, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, lost her battle with dementia on December 11, 2023, and departed this earthly life, joining her husband George “JB” Baker. She was born 82 years ago on May 7, 1941, in Indianapolis, the only daughter to George “Eddie” and Lavonne (Norris) Carpenter.

Her childhood involved many happy hours playing in Longacre Pool and Park where her parents worked as lifeguards and swimming instructors. Later on, she became a swimming instructor just like her mom and dad. She then got a job at the Post Office before moving out west to Idaho. In Idaho she worked mainly in the unemployment office in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, and she met her husband of 40 years, JB Baker. She moved back to Indianapolis to care for her parents and worked at IUPUI in the Center of Philanthropy and Radiology departments until her retirement.

Theresa loved spending time in her pool and playing with her two little dogs, Gus and Jake. She was a gifted writer and wrote many poems and some short stories for the Southside Times.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter Mary “Beth” (Gary Ratliff) Wayt, her sons Aaron (Nicole) Reese and Will (Wanda) Hendrickson, her stepson Lynn (Michelle) Baker, her grandchildren Sarah and Bill Hendrickson and Eva (Alex), her two great-grandchildren, her brother Casey (Caryn) Carpenter, her nieces Kathy Carpenter and Kim (Tim) Lewis, three great-grand-nieces and nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband JB, her son Joseph Hendrickson, and her brother Steven Carpenter.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Rhinelander Compassus team for all of the prayers, comfort and help throughout this difficult time.

There will be no services at this time for Theresa. You may leave your private condolences for the Baker family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Baker family.