Funeral services for Vera B. Baker, age 87, of Hettinger, ND will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011 at the Hettinger Lutheran Church with Rev. Garry Weems officiating. Vera will be laid to rest beside her husband Roene in the Hettinger cemetery.



Serving as Pallbearers are her nine sons. Honorary pallbearers are her brother-in-law, Leonard Culver and all her family and friends.



Vera Belle Helms was born to John and Grace Helms on April 30, 1924 in Sorum, South Dakota. She had three sisters, Myrtle Culver, Ila Lowery and Janette Harris and four brothers John Helms, Bruce Helms, Bazel Helms and Leland Goeman.



Vera attended grade school in the Slim Buttes and Harding County School Districts and Sorum High School. She worked several years at Snyder's Bakery and Halvorson's Super Value in Hettinger. She served as a guide for the Pioneer Girls for three years which she enjoyed very much. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America for over 40 years. She has been a member of the Grace Evangelical Free Church for many years.



Vera Helms married Roene Baker June 26, 1941 in Ekalaka, Montana. Eleven children were born to this union making an even "Baker's Dozen" of thirteen. They had two daughters: Sharron and Judy, and nine sons: Keith, Neil, Tim, Cecil, John, Mark, Doug, Gil and Scott. Vera and Roene were married 48 years, Roe passed away on March 17, 1990.



Vera loved music and singing with her sisters. She and her husband formed several bands in the 1970's and 1980's. Vera played the guitar and piano and Roe played the guitar, banjo and violin. They played for dances, entertained the residents at the nursing home and played for several other celebrations. She also loved to paint and draw. An employee at the nursing home commented that there is one or more of Vera's drawings hanging on the wall in every person's room.



Vera has been a resident of the Hillcrest Care Center for the past two years, Vera passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Western Horizons Care Center in Hettinger.



Vera was preceded in death by her husband Roene; her parents, John and Grace; her brothers John, Bruce, Bazel, Leland and her sisters Myrtle, Ila and Janette.



She is survived by all of her eleven children Keith (Pat), Neil (Michelle), Sharron, Judy, Tim (Cindy), Cecil, John, Mark, Doug (Tammi), Gil and Scott; her brother-in-law Leonard Culver; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.



Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday morning.



Memorials in Vera's name can be made to the Grace Evangelical Free Church in Hettinger or the charity of your choice.