Phyllis J. Baker

Our Beloved Phyllis Jean

     Phyllis Jean Cochenour Baker, age 89, of Chillicothe, OH, passed away peacefully on July 22nd, surrounded by loved ones at OSU Medical Center. She endured more than most people in her lifetime and continued to be a strong fighter until the end. Born on December 7th, 1935 in Chillicothe, OH, to the late Foster I. and Rachel M. (Chaney) Cochenour, Phyllis lived a full and spirited life that left a lasting impression on everyone blessed enough to know her.

     Phyllis married George Baker, who survives, on July 4th, 1990. He continued to be her loving and devoted husband and best friend for 35 years. She was truly the love of his life, and he would always be found right by her side with her sweet dog Buddy on her lap. It didn’t matter what George and Phyllis were doing as long as they were together. 

     She leaves behind a family who loved her beyond words, including her sons Darrell Newlun and Danny (Tammy) Newlun, her son-in-law George Baker Jr., stepson Eric Cooley, and her fun bunch of grandchildren including Amy Jo Newlun (Bill McCoy), Shayne (Heather) Newlun, Chelsea Newlun, Brad (Allison) Locke, Chad (Terina) Locke, Angela (Kenny) Webber, Ashleigh (Frank) Calu, Daniel Newlun II, Hollie (Tyler) Baker, Dionte Newlun, Donzel Newlun, Nigella Newlun, Kerry (Ursula) Locke, Stacia Baker, Mitchell Baker, and Katey Baker. Her great grandchildren would often be found on her lap or entertaining her, and numbered thirty including another great grandson on the way. They include: Legend, Shayne Wesley, Jaxon, Ava, Mya, Leo, Foster, Felicity, Gabe, Abby, Alaina, Harper, Maddie, Josie, Ellie, Colt, Jace, Gavin, Sasha, Billy, Kyle, Shyla, Ryder, Tyren, Landyn, Steven, Maggie, Carson, and Titus. 

     She also had many fond memories with other friends and family too many to count, but including James and Diane Locke and the Stanton Family. 

     Phyllis worked for the Budd Company in Frankfort, OH, for 21 years, retiring in 1997. She also enjoyed the company of her dear friends at the Senior Citizens Center and made many memories there. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, strength, and unforgettable stories- from frequent family outings at Lake Waynoka in the earlier years to family campouts in her front yard. She also enjoyed cooking for her family and would make extra no bake cookies whenever she would visit.

     Phyllis was truly one of a kind — full of laughter, love, and selflessness. She was spunky and had a sense of humor that could light up the darkest room and a heart big enough to hold the whole world. She gave so much of herself to everyone around her and never asked for anything in return. Her love was deep, fierce, and unconditional. If you knew her, you knew what it meant to be loved.

     She was preceded in death by her children: Jackie (Newlun) Locke and Dale Roy Newlun, her siblings: Leonard Cochenour, Helen (Cochenour) Stanton, and Barbara (Cochenour) Patterson, her daughter-in-law: Nneka Newlun, her ex-husband: Dale Ike Newlun, her beloved dog Kitty, and was grateful for the joy and companionship of her dear friend, Joyce Weaver, who also joyfully awaited her in Heaven.

     Though she may be gone from our sight, her spirit lives on in the memories we cherish and the smiles she left behind. We will love you Phyllis/PJ/Granny for all eternity!

     Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Rick Hartley officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Frankfort, Ohio.  Family and friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 28, 2025.

     You may sign her online register at warefh.com 

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