Thelma Lee Baker 83 Was born Dec. 19, 1927. She was the third of 4 daughters born to Henry and Pearl Jackson McCauley at Umpire, Arkansas. The Doctor charged her dad three dollars to deliver her. Later that same year the family moved to Wickes, AR, where she grew up and graduated from High School with the class of 1945. She and her sister Bonnie moved to St. Maries in 1948 to be near their sister Winonna. She went to work for the C & M Cafe as a waitress. She married James E. Baker whom she had grown up with in Wickes. They were married on July 28, 1951 at the Benewah County court house in St. Maries by judge Sam Irvine. They honeymooned at the Kootenai Inn. She continued to work for C & M as well as Pat and Scott's Restaurant. In 1972 , Thelma went to work for Ray Kirkland at the Old Country Store. The store was destroyed by fire in 1975 and was re-built and sold to Larry Moe. Thelma continued to work there and when the business was sold to the Two Swabbies, she became the manager there. Thelma worked on main street for 41 years, she saw lots of changes in that time. She retired in 1989. Thelma enjoyed gardening, making quilts and watching her grandsons play sports. She was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church of St. Maries. Thelma is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Todd and Angie Baker of St. Maries, sisters Bonnie Richardson and Winonna Brewer-Davis both of Wicks, AR. Also surviving are grandsons Tucker and Dalton Baker and great grandson Harlen Baker all of Coeur D' Alene. She was preceded in death by Husband James in 2002 and sister Deneva Marsh in 2009. Thelma was known by many and loved by all. A celebration of her life is planned for Friday August 26th at 11a.m. at the St. Maries Four Square Church. The Family suggests donations be made to the St. Maries Cross Fund. Visit her online memorial and sign her guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com
