Joan Baker

Joan (Shonting) Baker passed away on February 27, 2026 surrounded by her family at Fairfield Medical Center. She was born in Lancaster, Ohio on September 1, 1938 to John Neil and Ruth (Kneller) Shonting. She graduated from Lancaster High School Class of 1956.

She was retired from food service in the Lancaster City School District with over 25 years of service. Joan enjoyed cooking, camping, traveling, spending retirement winters in Florida and especially visiting with family and friends. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

Joan is survived by her son Kenneth Jeffrey (Lisa) Baker, daughters Joni Lynn (Mark Dowdy) Baker and Sheryl Ann Baker; sister-in-law Judith (Baker) Sims; grandchildren Michelle (Ryan) Dick and Kari (Jason) Plank; great grandchildren Brooklyn and Brody Dick, Conner and Olivia Plank, special grand dogs Moxie and CoCo and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents preceding her in death was her husband of 65 years Kenneth Richard Baker, in-laws Kenneth and Minerva Baker, sister Marilyn Miller, brothers-in-law Raymond Miller, Robert Baker, Phillip Fisher, and Stephen Sims, sisters-in-law Bernadine Baker and Sue (Baker) Fisher.

Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LANCASTER, OHIO. No calling hours will be observed and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 105 E. Mulberry St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130 or Fairhope Hospice, 282 Sells R., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.