11/15/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation ordering that all State flags on all State-owned facilities be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, the day of services for Betty Head Baker, a Thomas native.
Baker attended West Virginia University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and in 1942 was elected as the first female to serve as student body president. In 1965, Baker was appointed to the seat of her late husband, Donald J. Baker, Sr., in the Senate of West Virginia as a representative of the Sixteenth District, and was elected to that seat in 1966, becoming the first female elected to the Senate of West Virginia.
"Betty Baker represents a significant moment in the history of our Great State, being the first woman to be elected to the West Virginia Senate," said Gov. Tomblin. "She was a respected public servant and an active member of her community and church. Joanne and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all who knew Betty."
Baker is survived by her daughter, Susan Munck; sons, Donald Baker, Jr. and Stephen Baker; brother-in-law, Robert Orders; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Kathryn Higgins Head; her first husband, Kermit Orders; her second husband, Donald; and daughter, Martha Baker.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000