Janna C. Baker

Janna C. Baker born, raised and resident of Des Moines, Iowa, died on January 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Jan was a proud Eastsider, graduating from East High and Grand View College and, even though she moved to places far from there, she stayed in touch with fellow Eastsiders. She is survived by husband, Norlyn D. Baker, her son, Adam Jobe of Altoona, her daughter, Sally (Jobe) Ludwig, of Nashville, Tennessee, and stepdaughter, Michelle Baker, of Des Moines; eight grandchildren, ten (including one still on the way) great grandchildren, and many others she accepted and treated as if they were her own grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Newton, mother, Doris, brother, Thomas, and sister, Gwen.

After the birth of her first grandchild, Jan discovered the joyful & fulfilling purpose of grand parenting and soon she became known as “Grandma Jan” to children in various communities across Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri. Whether it was church youth groups, friends’ kids, neighborhood youngsters looking for a snack, or the kids of casual acquaintances who just needed someone to step in a help out, these children and families were all attracted and attached to her and she to them. The phrases, “Grandma Jan, can I…” and “Grandma Jan, will you…” were frequently heard across many hallways and kitchens of households, only soon to be followed by her loving affirmation of “Yes” or a “Sure!” Rarely was a negative response heard, after all, she was “Grandma Jan.” Over the course of her own challenges and struggles throughout life, Jan quickly learned the significance of surrendering her life to serving the Lord through ministering to the needs of families and children wherever the Lord leads and plants you for as long as He has you there. She was never shy about looking for those in need around her and then diving right in to help however necessary. Additionally, as a survivor of breast cancer she also understood the imminence and brevity of life. Jan would want you all to know this as well and to make the most of each moment and every relationship so that God would be glorified, Jesus Christ would be experienced, and remaining open to the leading of the Spirit, as you too could be making a greater impact in the community and congregations where God has planted you for such a time as this.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Interment will take place at Glendale Masonic Cemetery after the service.

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