RUMFORD — Ella Marden Baker, 90, formerly of Peru, died early Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the Rumford Community Home.

She was born Oct. 15, 1921, in West Freeman, a daughter of Grangie and Gladys (Moore) Marden. She attended Strong schools and graduated from Strong High School in 1938.

On Oct. 20, 1939, she married Merchant Baker of Strong. They worked together at Forster Manufacturing until June 1940, when they moved to Rumford. In 1950, they moved to Peru, where Ella operated the general store and post office for 30 years, retiring on June 12, 1981.

She and Merchant always enjoyed fishing and hunting, and after their retirement, they enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada. They also went to Alaska several times.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker had a small camp at Thistle Pond in northern Maine, where they hunted and collected berries for jams and jellies.

She is survived by a son, Larry and his wife, Anne, of Avon; and a grandson, Jeremy.

She was predeceased by her husband, Merchant on Nov. 4, 2001; her parents; her stepmother, Blandine Marden; and a sister, Eloise Marden Sudsbury.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Rumford Community Home for their care and concern for Ella.

Condolences, tributes and photos may be shared on her memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.

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