One of the things I remember most about Ms. Baker was the fact that if practice started at 7:00, you had better be there at 6:55. "On time" always meant five minutes early to her. I suppose it's only fitting that she left us far too early by our standards. I'm sure that to her, she was right on time. All of her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord have mercy on each of you during this difficult time, and may the countless lives she touched be a comfort.

Fly high, Pattycake. You're loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
Saturday, February 13, 2016

Diane was a friend of mine since grade school. Her mother Ms. Peggy was a dear friend and co-worker of mine many years ago. You could always count on Diane for kindness, always being fun and fair in all situations. I know she will be missed very much by her precious family. Heaven has received a precious person. God Bless Her Family!
Saturday, February 13, 2016

Very few memories of my high school stand out like being a part of the Big Blue Machine. There was a certain discipline required, with my upbringing it was a natural fit, Diane Baker added a human side like no one else. You will be missed.
Saturday, February 13, 2016

Trying to find the right words has been so hard! I start and cry, then come back and cry!! I am full of heartbreak, but want to talk about what I gained. There would not have been this outpouring of sentiment if we had not all felt a sense of gain from Ms. Baker's contribution to our lives. This gain does not magically stop with her passing.
She was incredibly energetic, spending little energy resisting her passions. People always knew her opinion on a subject. She had a strong inner sense of where she was going and how to get there, and it was through this inner strength that she had such a powerful effect on so many of us and our community. She had the ability to make every one she taught a better person. If she was disappointed in our performance, We were more disappointed in our performance and wanted to work harder to perfect it!! If she were here now, she would say, "Don't be so sentimental. Chin Up and get on with what you were doing." We can all look at Ms. Baker as an inspiration and leader by following their self confidence. This is what should be cherished in this time of loss.
You will be truly missed! Not just an Awesome Band Director, Teacher, but an amazing Mentor and Friend!! You are leaving a big Void, and Heaven has gained More Love and some outstanding drum beats!!
Prayers for all of the family and friends!!
Love You Ms. B (Patty Cake) <3
Saturday, February 13, 2016

Thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to Dayn and his family. Ms. B was truly one of a kind and I'm so proud to have been a part of the Big Blue Machine family. She always knew just how far to push to get the most out of you. She had a way of uniting us all no matter what our social standing...we were family, period. There's not much more to be said that hasn't already...you left behind one heck of a legacy Diane Baker and I'm so glad to have known you...much love and forever in our hearts.


Love, Dena
HJ BBM c/o 1993
Saturday, February 13, 2016