Mrs. Ruth Isakson Baker

Ruth Isakson Baker, 94 years young, (pet name 'Rusty') of Alpharetta, devoted wife for nearly 68 years to (her 'Dusty') David H. Baker, who preceded her in death, passed away on August 1, 2014 at Manor Care of Marietta. Ruth was born on May 23, 1920, in Atlanta to Swedish parents Andrew Isakson and Josephine Johnson Isakson, and older siblings Anna, Hilda, and Ed who preceded her in death. She adored her husband and family, son David H. Baker Jr. of Alpharetta; son R. Benson Baker, BVI; daughter Betsy (Dennis) O'Sullivan of Alpharetta; granddaughters Lindsey O'Sullivan of Rosemary Beach, Florida, and Madeline O'Sullivan of Milan, Italy; nieces Ann (Phil) Williams, Betty (Jim) Crawford, and nephews Dr. Leland (Diana) Jackson, Senator Johnny (Diane) Isakson, Chris (Beth) Irwin, Andy (Nancy) Isakson, innumerable great and great-grand nieces and nephews, and five grand dogs. As smart as she was beautiful, Ruth graduated from Commercial High School at age 16 as class valedictorian and recipient of the ATLANTA JOURNAL & CONSTITUTION's prized Journal Cup. At Georgia State, she honed her shorthand and secretarial skills that would serve her well throughout life, working at Draper Owens, General Motors, and, later in her 60's when hired anew as an executive secretary at Southern Company over those 40 years her junior. In 1945, as a Hat-Check Girl, she met her future husband David, stationed at Fort McPherson, at a USO Dance in Atlanta; a year later, they married at Peachtree Christian Church. In 1960, Ruth's family was one of four families responsible for organizing and starting Sandy Springs Christian Church where she served as church secretary for many years. Throughout her husband's successful real estate career, Rotarian commitments, and life, she was his rock; a day never passed that he didn't tell Ruth how lucky he was to be her husband and how beautiful she was . . . to which she would respond with 'a sass-shay and a twirl' for him. A genuine Southern lady, she exuded good manners, common-sense logic, Golden Rule ethics, a devotion to her family, and a sincere curiosity in all she met; these qualities were invaluable traits she instilled in her children and grandchildren. In her 80's, Ruth founded and published THE ISAKSON GAZETTE, a newsletter of her family's genealogy, travels, news, events, and words of wisdom that she would layout on her computer, print, and distribute, monthly, for over a decade to generations of Isakson's. In the sunset of her life, she cherished caring friends, nurses, and staff at Somerby of Alpharetta. Everyone who met her, knew her, and loved her were indeed fortunate. Visitation Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9pm at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road in Roswell. Graveside services at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs on Wednesday at 2pm . In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60693 in Ruth's name.

Mrs. Ruth Isakson Baker

August 23, 1920 - August 1, 2014