Washington Twp.,      Mrs. Ruth M (Henkel) Baker, 81, died on March 7, 2011 at Heath Village in Washington Twp. after a long illness.  She was born in Newark and grew up in Irvington. She lived in Succasunna for 45 years before moving to Heath Village 8 years ago. She was employed by Bell Laboratories in Whippany and Chester for 30 years and was a founding member of St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and of the Women’s International Bowling Congress.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband, William Sr. in 1991, sister, Eileen H. Madrazo in 1976 and brother John M Henkel in 2008. She is survived by her sons; Ronald R of Darnestown, MD, William H of Hackettstown, daughters; Barbara A Ehrhart of Flemington, Diane B DeMaio of Denville, and Deborah E Galamb of Marlton, NJ, 14 grandchildren and 2 sisters; Marian Mayer of Huntsville, AL and Elizabeth Henkel of Neptune, and brother Joseph Henkel of FL.

Friends may visit the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Succasunna, NJ (973-584-7264) davishepplewhitefh.com, on Thursday from 3 – 5 & 7 – 9  pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, 9:30 am, at St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna, with the interment to follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill Road in Chester. Donations may be made in her name to St. Therese R C Church in Succasunna.