BAKER, Bette Jane

Bette Jane Baker, 81, of Grand Island died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at home. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The Rev. John Schaefer will officiate. Mrs. Baker's body was cremated. Burial will be in St. Stephen's Columbarium. Mrs. Baker was born Jan. 15, 1923, at Omaha. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond. Survivors of the immediate family include three daughters, Shara Madison of Grand Island, Susan Casner of Flower Mound, Texas, and Christine Baker of Wichita, Kan.; a brother, Ronald Trapp of San Diego, Calif.; and a sister, Jacalene Thorsted of Suisan, Calif. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She married Raymond A. Baker May 30, 1942. Bette was very active in community affairs and headed many fund-raising drives. She was instrumental in starting the tornado protection warning system while serving as the first Deputy Civil Defense Director for the Grand Island area. She and her husband were among the group that originated the Grand Island Little Theater, directing many of the performances and starring in many others. Bette was also Realtor of the Year in 1985. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.