Jill Baker

Obituary

On July 18, 2026, Jill Baker traded her favorite running shoes and gardening tools for a well-deserved rest.

If you ever spent five minutes with Jill, you knew her life’s mission was remarkably simple: Brighten everyone’s day, and help wherever help was needed.

Whether she was tackling rugged mountain trails, exploring a new corner of the world, or tending to her garden, Jill lived life in full bloom. She had a special place in her heart for bees and wildflowers, marveling at the busy little pollinators and the wild, bright colors of nature. Jill’s day to day activities weren't much different than a honeybee's. Jill buzzed from person to person, spreading warmth and making fast friends with literally anyone she encountered. Strangers were simply friends she hadn't chatted with yet.
Jill’s kindness was legendary. If you needed a hand, a warm smile, or a volunteer to jump in at a moment’s notice, she was already on it before you even finished asking. Jill never rested until everything was done and everyone was taken care of. Beyond her endless community volunteering, she also proudly served her country, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

Of all her adventures, her favorite by far was her family. Together with her husband of 25 years, Mark, and their two wonderful children, Jeremy and Eli, they built a life full of laughter, travel, and love. Jill was most proud to see her children carry forward her boundless energy and curiosity of the world.

Jill is survived by her loving husband Mark, her sons Jeremy and Eli, and a vast circle of friends whose lives were made immeasurably brighter just by knowing her.

In honor of Jill's generous spirit, consider planting a patch of native wildflowers for the local bees, volunteering in your community, or performing an unexpected act of kindness for a stranger.

Gallery

Memory wall

August 8, 2026

I met and grew to love Jill over the past two years volunteering alongside her with the IRC (International Rescue Committee) where loaded and unloaded many moving vans together and set up new homes for refugee families from all over the world. We talked about everything from our mutual love of trail running to world travel to politics (we were good at venting about that to each other)… she truly felt like a lifelong friend the day we met and I loved her dearly. The work won’t be the same without her and she will be so missed but what a prefect place to always be reminded of her too. She was truly an incredible woman and example to all of us. ❤️❤️❤️

Heidi Fransen

August 6, 2026

"I met Jill while caring for Bianca when she was just a few months old; now, she is almost eight years old. Throughout all these years, Bianca and I had the beautiful opportunity to share small moments with Jill that became lifelong memories.She had a unique way of reminding Bianca how smart and beautiful she is, all while talking to us about her garden, asking how we were doing, and learning about my family. She always showed genuine empathy toward me. Being from Venezuela, she was deeply interested in the political and economic situation of my country, and she never failed to ask about my family back home. She truly made me feel welcome in this country.Through all her years of planting, she generously shared her harvest; there was always a dish in my home featuring fresh vegetables from her garden. As a token of gratitude, I once shared my own homemade pasta tomato sauce recipe with her.I believe that besides cultivating her land, she also nurtured another garden—one that she planted, watered, cared for, and which always yielded eternal fruits: 'The Garden of Her Friends.'Jill, I will forever carry your loving kindness in my mind and heart. When I look at your garden and see your bright sunflowers, that giant smile of yours will come to my mind. I love sunflowers too. In my memories, I will always see you running, full of energy and unstoppable.Thank you for all those wonderful moments you gifted to Bianca and me. Since she was a baby, Bianca loved watching you work in your ex gardenfrom her window."

Yolanda Mendoza De Andrade

August 3, 2026

Mark,

I’m so sorry to hear about Jill. The great thing is that she lived more life in her short time on earth than most people would in two or three lifetimes. Such nice words and beautiful photos of her and your family. Hold on to those great memories.

Tracy and I wish you peace and understanding during this difficult time.

Jamie Johnson

August 3, 2026

She was the 1,000 Watt Woman, truly.
Possessed with the kindest, most loving heart most of us have ever experienced. She will forever beam down that brilliance we will never forget. Shine On, Jill.

Lisa Buchanan

August 2, 2026

I met Jill on what was supposed to be her final dive trip on a Philippines livaboard. We only spent a week together and I did not get to know her very well. But what I DO know is she was a beautiful, warm person with the heart on the right spot and I enjoyed being around her. When I heard the devastating news it felt unreal, hadn‘t we just talked about the satellites like a week ago? May her soul rest in peace.

Cornelia Thews

August 2, 2026

Any photos I have of Jill would be up in Winter Park, and maybe not even digital. So when I think of Jill it is her perpetual smile that comes to mind and that she was there at the end of every gathering washing my dishes and making even the cleaning up a joyful time. I can see from Mark's beloved photo wall that she squeezed in more happiness, and was the giver and receiver of more joy that most in her cherished life.

Suzy Meinert

August 1, 2026

Though Jill and I met only briefly in this life and I would have lived to know her more. I have attached a photo of a wild flower which encompasses many of Jill's attributes, both those I witnessed and those I read about. The flower is "Solomon's Seal" which in flower language embodies, wisdom, grace, caring, resilience and humility. Rest in peace Jill.

Dianne Miller

August 1, 2026

Jill Baker was one of the most genuine and honest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

From the moment she and her husband moved into our neighborhood with their two sweet boys, I was drawn to her. We spent countless hours together, watching our children play, grow, and create memories that I will always treasure.

Jill had a remarkable way of bringing peace to those around her. She was wise, kind, compassionate, and endlessly generous with her time. No matter what was going on in her own life, she always made others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Of all the things Jill taught me, the greatest was the importance of living with honesty and authenticity. She never sought attention or recognition, and she never boasted, even though she had every reason to. She simply lived with quiet grace and humility, and that made her an extraordinary person.

I miss Jill deeply. My heart aches every day, but I am profoundly grateful for the years of friendship, laughter, and love we shared. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and genuine goodness that will continue to inspire everyone who was fortunate enough to know her

Sheri Bangerter

August 1, 2026

Jill always poured my coffee while waiting for Mark for look pretty enough to drive us to the Bird. She cared about how things were actually going. I’d been through a divorce and I remember her questions being meaningful. One morning while sipping the coffee she had poured, as we were chatting I thought “she actually really cares that I’m doing well”. Jill and Mark came to our wedding they were both so happy for us. It meant a lot to see them drive 2 hours for a 30 minute wedding. Over many other encounters Jill was usually just pulling Mark’s reigns, always in the most playful way. I remember one time thinking I want to be sure I find a wife like that who just has fun with everything, always laughing and smiling. She was awesome.

Kyle Treece

August 1, 2026

We are so sorry for the loss of Jill. Whenever we spent time with you two we could tell how happy you both were and how much love you shared. She was always so proud of her sons sharing wonderful stories of all of their accomplishments. Jill always made us feel so welcome and she was so much fun to be around. It is unimaginable trying to understand the challenges you all are dealing with. We are sending you strength, comfort and peace as you remember and cherish your memories with Jill. We will keep all of you close in our hearts.

Tommy and Carolyn Newton

Service