Rosalie Mae Baker, 85, a resident of Arenas Valley, NM went to meet with her Maker on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Sunset Vista Assisted Living in Silver City, NM.
Rosalie was born in Niles, Michigan on March 29, 1939, attended school there and after school spent some time in Europe. She was a very talented lady and after spending some time in Europe she returned to the states and took a position with the Hughes Aerospace company in White Sands, NM. She helped design, test and work on missiles at White Sands Missile Range. After a period of time there, the work reduced and they transferred her to Tucson to continue working on missiles. Growing tired of working on missiles, she was approached by Pima Community College to teach the MOSFET and transistor technique of soldering and design. Later on, she took a position with IBM working at the Tucson site. Her experiences were many but she did not speak of it very often. She was proud of her service to the younger people at Pima College and to the country at Hughes Aerospace. She will be missed by all of us.
Rosalie and Robert were charter members of the National Museum of the American Indian, she and Robert started the Many Nations Native American Company in 1984, to supply businesses throughout the US, Europe, and Australia with quality Native American merchandise and held a US Trade Mark for that name. She was able to deal easily with the Native Americans as she was of ½ blood Oneida Native. With her heritage and concern for Native peoples she enjoyed respect from many of the Native Nations.
Rosalie was a member of the Silver City OES (Order of the Eastern Star) and served as Worthy Matron. She devoted several years to the betterment of local young ladies as Mother Advisor of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
Rosalie and Robert moved to Silver City in 1997 after searching the state for a good place to live. Their home is in Arenas Valley, and they were members of the Sangre de Cristo Anglican Fellowship. They spent what time that was available traveling the US, Canada, Australia, Alaska and Ecuador. Rosalie had a good life, and enjoyed being busy, always meeting friends and people with a warm smile and handshake.
Rosalie is survived by her husband Robert, three step children, Cathy of Alameda, CA, Sheryl of Johnstown CO, Jim of Loveland, CO She was preceded in death by her parents, and her adopted son, John of Tucson.
No services are planned at this time, and please make donations to the Shriners Hospitals in lieu of flowers. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trust care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .