Jeanie L. Baker

"Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch." On November 27, 2020 Jeanie Baker gained her angel wings with her husband Mearl and her daughter Kelli by her side. Although gone much too early, she is no longer in pain and can now watch over all that she loved! Jeanie was born November 26, 1948 in Livingston, MT to Fred and Frances McAdam. She spent most of her childhood with her three brothers growing up in Clyde Park and graduated in a class of eleven in 1967. After high school, she spread her wings and ventured off to California. She met and married Don Pendleton in Santa Barbara. They returned to Montana and their daughter Kelli was born in Bozeman in 1974. Though Jeanie and Don divorced in 1978, they remained friends throughout the years. In 1979, Jeanie married the love of her life, and Kellis bonus Dad, Mearl Baker. He was the man who could always make her laugh. Mearl taught Jeanie to be an Optician and they worked side by side for the better part of their 41 years together. For many years, Jeanie ran the Livingston branch of Baker Opticians. Jeanies clients often looked for excuses to stop by the office to visit with her, and each one became another friend. During the filming of A River Runs Through It, Robert Redford came into her store to get sunglasses. Jeanie was thrilled to be able to tell her friends that she had "touched Robert Redfords ears!" Jeanie was often called upon to help organize community events like "An Evening With the Stars", which allowed her to meet other celebrities who lived in the Livingston area, such as Peter Fonda and Margot Kidder. She even "lovingly" convinced Kelli to compete as Rodeo queen in Livingston and of course she was involved in that. She also loved the 4th of July parade and the rodeo every year. Having a strong desire to help people, Jeanie couldnt resist offering assistance to those in need, whether they be family, friends or people she had just met. Her generosity and loving nature were seemingly boundless. Jeanies favorite pastimes included oil painting, planting flowers, bowling, camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and golfing. Some of Jeanies fondest memories were of fishing with her Mom in the Shields River, fishing with Mearl at Holter Lake, camping and snowmobiling with friends, spending time with Kelli and watching Bayjn play baseball. And she loved family holidays. In later years, she and Mearl just enjoyed spending time together, sometimes venturing up the Paradise Valley or having dinner at one of their favorite spots in Livingston. Mearl also loved to cook for Jeanie. Jeanie treasured her family. She was so proud of her daughter, Kelli, who followed into the family optical business and her grandson, Bayjn, who brought her so much joy. If you ask Kelli, she will tell you that she is the mom she is today because of the Mom she had! Jeanies love of family included her siblings, in-laws, grandchildren, stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and close friends who were like family to her. She had special relationships with her Aunt Louie (Baxter) and Uncle Hugh McAdam, and her friends Peggy Kelly, Amy Daem and Kathy Tappe. Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Frances McAdam, brothers Sparky McAdam and Fred (Punky) McAdam. Aunt Louise Baxter, Uncle Hugh McAdam and stepdaughter, Sonja (Baker) Taylor as well as her Father-in-law Vernon Baker and Mother-in-law Marion Baker. She is survived by her husband Mearl (and their silly pooch Matty) of Livingston, daughter Kelli (Jason) Anderson with grandson Bayjn of Churchill, stepson and daughter-in-law Greg and Michelle Baker with grandson Cole of Bozeman; brother Toby McAdam of Livingston, brother-in-law Rich (Sally) Baker of Georgia, sister-in-law Rita McAdam of Belgrade, brother-in-law JC (Gaye) Baker of Missouri, sister-in-law Barb (Harvey) Hill of Hamilton, several nieces and nephews, cousins, and step grandchildren. In lieu of flowers to the family, please donate flowers or items to someone who is all alone this holiday season, or to a charity of your choice. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.