Obituary of Phyllis Isabella May Baker

BAKER: Phyllis Isabella May Baker (Elliott) passed peacefully at her home, on Saturday, May 5, 2018. She was in her happy spot, with her loving husband, Ray, holding her hand and surrounded by her children. Phyllis was born July 26, 1935 to Walter and Jennet Elliott on her family's farm near Carberry, Manitoba. She attended a single-room country school, which, it turns out, was not uphill both ways as she claimed. After graduating from Carberry Collegiate Institute, she began working at the MTS office in Carberry as a telephone operator. She was soon transferred to Brandon, where she was quickly promoted to Supervisor. She was very proud of the work she did in that role. She met Raymond Douglas Baker, also of Brandon, at a local dance. The two were quickly smitten and married on September 23, 1961. After the flurry of raising four kids slowed down, she purchased the Eye Opener Bookstore in 1980. She ran the store diligently for the next twenty years before handing the reins to her husband Ray (although she kept doing the books, a job Ray could not be trusted to do accurately!) Phyllis was an avid golfer and could be found on the links most sunny mornings. She was active in the Wheat City Ladies Golf Club and served as President of the Ladies Western Open. She had a passion for music, and the sound of piano regularly filled her house. She also loved painting and exhibited several pieces with the Palette Club at the Centennial Auditorium. Crochet was another of her favourite pastimes, and she enjoyed making afghans for each of her children, grandchildren and their spouses. She also made a couple for Ray, but they always ended up being used by the dog. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents Walter and Jennet Elliott, sister June (Mervin) Meadows and brother Geordie Elliott. She is survived by her loving husband Ray, her daughter Kathy (Scott) Lancaster, sons David (Debbie), Michael (Nikki Germain), Rick (Sandy Smith), and her dog Zoe. She was blessed with many grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Geordie (Amanda) Lancaster, Cassandra (Randall) Visser, Jeremy Lancaster (Kiersten Ketcheson), Joshua (Emily) Baker, Zachary Lancaster (Amber Schroeder), Alex Baker (Jenna Roadley), Kate Lancaster and Jackson Baker. She was also overjoyed to meet her first great grandchild, Camdyn Lancaster. A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 339-12th Street, Brandon, MB on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6.