Joene Lynn VanAuken Baker

Joene (Joey) Lynn VanAuken Baker was born November 10, 1942. She passed peacefully with family by her side on January 29, 2026. She was predeceased in death by her husband, Michael Baker.

She is survived by son James L. Keel, and wife Danielle Geldersma; daughter Laurie Schwabe and husband Matt; granddaughters Amelia, Annabella and Lilly Schwabe; step-daughters Kemberli Greco and Stacey Kobetisch; brother Frank VanAuken and wife Tina; sisters Cindy Martens and husband Kenneth (Butch) and Wendy Ashley and husband Mark; and many nieces and nephews.

Joey graduated from Bellevue High School in 1961.

Joey was an amazing mother, sister, and wife. Joey had a wonderful sense of humor. Joey enjoyed cooking, painting, basket-weaving, sewing and gardening. 

Joey married Michael and moved to the Seattle area more than 30 years ago. They enjoyed many trips with friends on Harleys and Indian motorcycles. One of Joey’s favorite vacations was to return to Michigan to hunt morel mushrooms with her family.

Special thanks to the staff at the Flower House for all the love and care they gave Joey the past year and a half. Thank you also to Heart to Heart Hospice for her care.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. Joey will be laid to rest at Fort Custer in Battle Creek with her husband, Michael, who will be buried with military honors. Funeral arrangements are through Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings.