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In memory of

Marlene Baker

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 61

Marlene Faye Rada was born June 19, 1952, the fifth of sixth children born to Earl “Shorty” and Ruth (Webb) Rada, at the Murdo Hospital. Marlene nearly lost her life to pneumonia on more than one occasion.
Marlene attended all her schooling at Murdo, graduating from Murdo High School in 1970.
On June 7, 1973, Marlene married Charles “Bub” Baker at Pierre, South Dakota. To this union were born two daughters, Shanna Marie on January 10, 1974, and Natasha LaShay on December 18, 1982; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Marlene went to Arizona to help care for all her grandchildren when they were born, with the exception of the last one, Carson, due to her stroke.
Marlene worked briefly at the ASCS office. Then she went to work for the South Dakota Department of Transportation in Murdo, until it closed and she was then transferred to Pierre, where retired after 30 years of service as a parts clerk supervisor. She also worked at the Buffalo Bar and Triple H Truckstop in Murdo. She enjoyed working at these places because of her love to talk and meet new people. Everyone was a friend, and on more than one occasion, Marlene would buy a family a meal, a tank of gas, or give them some money to help them reach their destination.
Marlene suffered a stroke on June 12, 2009, during surgery for a nissen. Marlene was in Rapid City Hospital and Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls. On September 12, she was transferred to Lakewood, Colorado where her husband stayed with her until Bub’s sister Nancy Hastings came and stayed with her until she was released. Nancy then moved to Murdo and lived with them until she was admitted into the Philip Nursing Home on June 11, 2013.
Marlene and Charles are grateful to Nancy Hastings Baker, who took care of Marlene, and for giving them four more years together.
Marlene is survived by her husband Charles “Bub” Baker of Murdo; two daughters Shanna Baker of Las Vegas, and Natasha Rodriguez and her fiance Travis Dressen of Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers Dawayne Rada and his wife Beverly of Merridian, Idaho, and Allen Rada of Rapid City; and one close friend, Josephine Niehoff of Rapid City.
Marlene was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Ruth Rada; one sister Jean Dickenson; and two brothers Earl and Dwight, as an infant.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. CDT Tuesday, September 17, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, with a prayer services at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. CDT Wednesday, September 18, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, with Pastor Rick Hazen officiating.
Interment was at the Murdo Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.  Cards and memorials may be send to P.O. Box 444, Murdo, SD  57559.

Funeral Services
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

Clergy
Pastor Rick Hazen

Music
Marilyn Seymour - Pianist
Jasmine Esmay - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”

Pallbearers
Doug Pol - Wayne Comp
Ron Winkle - Wally Elrod
Darren Jackson - Randy Fuhrer

Ushers
Bob Jackson - Jim Hoar

Register Book Attendants
Kim Iwan - Karen Miller

Interment
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. CDT Tuesday, September 17, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo
Prayer Services: 7:00 p.m. CDT Tuesday, September 17, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo.
Funeral services: 11:00 a.m. CDT Wednesday, September 18, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo.
Interment: Murdo Cemetery.

  • My deepest sympathy to the entire family. This is a very difficult time and you are all in my prayers. I hope you can find comfort in the fact that Marlene is now beyond her earthly suffering. ~ Crystal Paulson Belvidere, (9/15/2013)
  • Our deepest sympathies. Marlene was a great gal. ~ Mike & Dawn Cromwell Chamberlain, SD (9/15/2013)
  • So, so sorry to hear of Marlene's passing. The Rada's lived kitty-corner from my folks, and the whole family was good neighbors. Earl & I were class mates, so had many times playing together at their place. May she rest in peace. ~ Don Nash Brookings, SD (9/15/2013)
  • My deepest sympathy. Prayers to the family. ~ Deb Peters Killdeer ND (9/15/2013)
  • Please accept my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Ross DeRock Meridian ID (9/15/2013)
  • Marlene had a personality that no one will ever forget, she was everyone's friend and always full of fun and kind words for all, she has earned her place in heaven, and will be an angel watching over her family and friends. Our thoughts go out to the family. ~ Chyrll and Gene Gunsalus Rapid City, SD (9/15/2013)
  • So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. ~ Colleen (McMillan) Stadler Moorhead, Minnesota (9/15/2013)
  • My heart goes out to Marlene's family at this sad time. Marlene worked with my dad at the DOT and I remember her as a truly fun and friendly person, full of energy and light. I hope it's some consolation that her earthly struggles are over, and her new joy has begun. ~ Sue (O'Reilly) Raikas Thornton, CO (9/15/2013)
  • so sorry for all of you God is happy to get another angel, you are in our thoughts and prayers sympathy to all ~ lavonne leonard kingstree sc (9/15/2013)
  • Nanci and I am so sorry for your loss and offer or thoughts and prayers to all of the family friends!!
    Much too young to leave you all!!!!
    Cort & Nanci Wright     ~ cort wright rapid city sd (9/15/2013)
  • My deepest prayers for family as they struggle thru yet another loss. We will deeply miss Marlene she was a bright star here on earth and now she will shine brighter on heavens shores. Love to all the family. Sandi and River ~ Sandra Rada Wald 814 N 4th St #A2,BA, OK. 74012 (9/15/2013)
  • Mt prayers and thoughts are with everyone in the family at this time.....God took another beautiful person and made Marlene an Angel to watch over each and everyone that she loved and knew...... ~ Mona Lee Rada Taggart Gregory, SD (9/15/2013)
  • I'm so sorry about Marlene. May your memories of her give you strength in the days to come. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ~ Debbie (Thompson) Christensen Rapid City SD (9/15/2013)
  • We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore Fort Pierre (9/15/2013)