ForeverMissed
Large image

Dear family and friends

On Thursday morning 19 May, Shirley went be with Jesus her Lord and Saviour, who she loved. And although it is a sad time for us, we feel incredibly privileged to have loved and been loved by such a precious wife, Mum and Nan.

We are thankful for the way God has used Shirley’s life to bless so many. As a family, we are very grateful for all your expressions of love and support; we have so valued your prayers and have been greatly encouraged by the tributes and memories you have shared with us.

In the last few days of Mum's life we read these to her. Your tributes were a beautiful gift, that reminded Mum - and sweetly surprised her - that her life was one of significance. It bought her joy and real peace to know that her life has impacted yours, and she feels very humbled and grateful, that God has used her life for great effect, and His purpose, in so many of your lives.

A celebration of Shirley’s life was held on Saturday 28 May, 2pm at Eastview  Baptist Church, 559 Chapel Road, Botany, Auckland 2163

The following are links to Mum’s Service – should you wish to view it.

Part 1 https://youtu.be/mm83iznxqTo

Part 2 https://youtu.be/RSTTL58rSFE

Shirley's life story, & tributes from her Memorial service are now loaded in "Her Life"

Thank you all, your words and stories are a treasure and comfort

John, Peter, Bronnie and Sue and families.



May 18, 2016
May 18, 2016
Sending all my Love... You both took a chance on me as a screwed up kid as a Ranch Hand then a Leader with over 50 camps and showed and taught me the beauty and Love of Jesus Christ. Thinking of you all now... God Bless you all immensley now and forever. With all my Love Mark xxx
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Thankyou to you and John for your ministry at El Rancho, All the friendships that have been made all the people who now know the Lord, you always had time to talk and make everyone feel welcome and nothing was a problem . To your family for sharing your Mum and Dad with the El Rancho family we can't thankyou enough.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Dear Shirley, John & family, Such a sad time but also so full of hope. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Shirley, what an amazing woman if God you are. You have been such an example and encouragement to me. Always ready with a smile, hug & word of encouragement &/or a word to challenge and spur me on. You have been a Mum and mentor to so many. May you be filled with Gods awesome peace as you prepare to see your Lord face to face. To John and family may you know His presence, comfort and love. I am currently visiting family in the USA but please know my love & prayers are with you all. Sandra Buetow
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Dearest Shirley,
You and John have poured much love and support into my family. To Jeremy, Sarah, Matt and myself, especially when Harvey passed away, and when Matt lived at El Rancho. I have such wonderful memories of your loving service at camp. With my love and deep appreciation.
Caroline
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley is such a warm, caring, nurturing Godly woman. I always felt happy as a child attending El Rancho camps knowing she was looking out for us ready with a HUGE smile, an embrace, and a thoughtful question. Her eyes would light up and you felt so treasured. She nurtured us as teenagers through the numerous camps we always enjoyed...and encouraged us in our faith. I will always remember her servant-heart, kind and gentle nature and love for our Lord.
 
Hebrews 13:14 "For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come"....And verses 15-17 which is just what Shirley and John have done... "with Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of His name. Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God. Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit."

Give mum a cuddle from me.
Love you Shirley! xxxxxxx
Elayne Moore (Nee: Sunderland)
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Dear Shirley,

Thank you so much for all the hard work you and John put into the lives of all who stepped foot at El Rancho, my second home growing up. I will always remember your friendly warm smiles around the camp. Those were the days! !! You have been faithful servants of the Lord and i know He'll look at you, pull you in close in a warm embrace and whisper, "well done my good and faithful daughter" :) You made that place such a warm and inviting place for so many to come. I will never forget. May you have all His peace that surpasses understanding as you go home to your greatest Love. I know He would've prepared an AMAZING place just for you. Xx
Youngest daughter of Alastair and Heather-Mary MacKenzie,
Zoë
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Hey mama B, its Lena Walsh here, or you may better remember me as Lena Jackson (Aj's little sister). El Rancho was never the same after you guys left but I just wanted you to know how much you were loved and respected. When i was first attending the kids camps I was very much a mamas girl and was too scared to sleep in the cabin with the other girls but you were always very gracious to me and let me sleep in my families caravan with them. You were very kind to me. We never got a chance to know each other super well but i have never forgotton you guys and the amazing example you were to us young kids. We love you heaps and you will always and forever be our camp Mum. God Bless and we'll be seeing you soon.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
You will rise up with wings of an eagle walk and not be weary run and not be weak you will be in the arms of your father who is calling you home x x x love my dear lady a treasure to every heart you touched.Megan
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Happy memories of a gracious and hard working lady who always had time for me and my family.Great hospitality and love given willingly.Thanks John and Shirley.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley Frank and I have wonderful memories of you when we were in New Zealand. Remember when we used to of to McDonalds for an icecream at night. thank you so much for your encouragement and influence on our lives. You were very much loved and appreciated.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley,
I have known you for a long time and have very many happy memories of our time at El Rancho together. Your gentle nature and love for the Lord shone through in the way you treated everyone. Bill and I always appreciated the work you and John did at the camp.
Lots of Love
Bev Crighton and family.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Love you Nan
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
I will never forget the 10 years I had at El Rancho as a staff kid. John and Shirley were such amazing wonderful and humble people. Shirley was always so interested in us kids and had the most gorgeous smile. Please know that you have touched and influenced my life as you have many many others. Much love. Andrea XOXO
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Hi Shirley. My name is Elizabeth Hammond. I spent many a school holiday at camp as a camper ranch hand and leader. Loved those days and still think of them fondly. I am now 45 and send my kids to camp in Palmerton. Thank u for the memories and it was always good to see u in the book Shop where you always were x bless u
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Geoff and I were talking about our favorite memories of Shirley. There were many - Shirley was an amazing lady. We loved walking around El Rancho late at night with John and Shirley, making sure the kids all stayed in bed. It was such a hoot, we laughed until we cried sometimes. The other memory which is so strong is when the Wanganui IHC would come to camp. There was one young man who fancied himself as an office executive. Shirley would allow him to use her desk in the office for the week, and act as his secretary. He went through rolls of paper adding up random numbers on her adding machine. She changed the paper and brought him cups of tea and biscuits. She was sincerely delighted that he was having a good camping experience. Shirley loved everyone, and they loved her back.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley has become part of the 'folklore' in our family. The first time Mum and Dad stayed at El Rancho they were greeted with hysterical laughter. The caravan rental place had messed up their booking and they ended up with an ancient wooden wreck, that someone was trying to sell. Once Shirley regained her composure she apologised and explained that she had just got off the phone with someone who had cancelled their booking because their caravan had disintegrated at the side of the road. She said it looked like Mum and Dad had picked up the bits! The start of many happy years for them at El Rancho.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley had such a big impact on my life. I first met her as an 11 yr old at el Rancho. I was sick and she was so kind to me. Then as a ranch hand and leader. The rag fits we used to have with Shirley and John in the Kitchen. Shirley's your wisdom and laughter and hugs have always been much appreciated. Meeting up with you and John and sharing life experiences since being back in NZ has been wonderful. You have touched my life in many ways and your steadfast love and your love for John and your family have been an amazing example to me. Much love
Helen Niedermoser
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Talking to you over the years Shirley, I really don't think you understand the enormous contribution you and John have made to generations of people. You have blessed me at every turn with your love and encouragement, both when I was a young ranch hand and leader, but also in the decades that followed as you encouraged me in ministry and made an effort to get to know and show love to my family. We will miss you immensely and look forward to the time we will meet you again around the Throne of the One we love.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley, this is from mum and dad for you:
Dear Shirley
We are privileged to meet many saints on our own pilgrimage and I want to thank you for being a shining example of faithful, kind, supportive Christian womanhood.
As you journey your final days/weeks may the Presence of the Saviour be your constant companion assuring you of that mansion He has prepared for you. There is glory ahead through the veil. Be encouraged by the support of the body of Christ as you approach the gates!
Much love
Joy and Jamie Lauchlan
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Shirley is her smile and gentleness. Shirley always had so much time for the children and those who worked with them at El Rancho. She was a great example of what it meant to be a Christian. Much love and respect.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
I will always appreciate and value the kindness of Shirley and John Baker shown to my family in time of need.  Never forgotten.
Much respect
Patricia Munro
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Even though we didn't know each other very well Shirley - the conversations I did have with you and observed you having with other people - showed very clearly that you value people and listened - REALLY listened to them. This is such a gift and I see you have passed this wonderful legacy onto Bronnie (and no doubt your other lovely children) Praying for God's presence to be very real right now for you and your family.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Shirley and John, your example to us as new camp managers was inspirational. Your welcome every time we called into El Rancho was personal and made us feel special. Your sharing at CCNZ conferences helped us immensely as we sought to grow our own camp ministry. Your friendly advice, sense of humour, down to earth attitude made spending time with you a joy.
We send our love to you
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
John and Shirley, you both are incredible people. You have touched so many people, your love for people is amazing. If it wasn’t for the love that you showed my family 30 odd years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The impact that you had on my life, has impacted people all around the world. You will be amazed by the amount of people that have been touched by your love. Words can not portray the impact you had on my life. It is such an honour to have had you both in my life. Weebale nyo Weebale nyo Weebale nyo (thank you very much Luganda)
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
I always remember going into the book shop at Elrancho and being greeted by Shirleys smile. She was a great example of what a christian woman should be and this showed outwardly and inwardly to many she came into contact with.
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
Mrs. Baker was the face of everything good and pure at El Rancho. My family were poor refugees, which she knew, so she always gave us a heavily discounted rate to attend the camp (paid for by our foster grandma) which was the highlight of the year for my brothers and I. I remember never having enough money to buy things from the bookstore, so Mrs. Baker would always discerningly sell me things for the little money that I had. Even 30 years ago, Mrs. Baker used to wease with asthma, but she always smiled, never complained, and carried on with her work diligently. She went out of her way to give words of encouragement, and hugs exactly when needed. Thank you so much Mrs. Baker for your kindness, understanding, and your unconditional love. Much love from Pyong-Cho Yun, Pyong-Hi Yun, Pyong-Mun Yun, and Pyong-Hwang Yun.
Page 1 of 2

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
May 19, 2021
May 19, 2021
Thinking of all the special times I had with Shirley - the laughter, the encouragement, the caring. You are always in my heart.
May 20, 2020
May 20, 2020
Yet more time has passed since you went home, but the warmth of your smile & the kindness of your heart remains.
October 15, 2017
October 15, 2017
Love to John from Upper Hutt. Blessings on everyone
Recent stories

The Funny Book

May 18, 2016

Shirley, did you know you were the first entry in El Rancho's much loved funny book?! The Camp Bookshop was Shirley's pride and joy. One morning a distinguished looking customer from a conference that was in came to the counter with a book to purchase. Shirley lit up and commented on what a great book it was and that perhaps he would be able to start on the book if the conference speaker was boring. (cue shirleys grin and eye twinkle)  He replied "Ma'am I am the speaker. "

Another time the America's Cup was on TV in the Baker's lounge and Shirley was trying to manage a stocktake with all its numbers, prices and lists, and keep an eye on the yachting. It was getting very exciting and Shirley rushed between lounge and shop announcing "KZ7's $1.20 ahead at the top mark!"

Once, on the phone, for a breakfast news and support call with Ben and Lynn  from CYC the line suddenly went dead. It turns out whilst Shirley and Ben were talking his phone cord stretched across the toaster and it melted right through the wires!

I don't think I was on the end of any of your practical jokes but now I know why Chris and I got into so many scrapes - you passed the baton onto us!  
By the way we are really sorry about that wild duck we released in your spare bedroom to teach those girl leaders (Judith and Michelle) a lesson. That duck pooh really does splatter doesn't it. Mind you that orange wall paper was pretty old. Thanks for going easy on us.
So many great and rich memories. Love you Shirley. 

Invite others to Shirley's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline