Melissa Ann Baker
Melissa Ann Baker, age 54, of Athens, died Monday evening, Sept. 9, 2024 at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, Athens. Born May 5, 1970 in Athens, she is the daughter of Joyce Ann Allbaugh Keffer of Venice, FL and the late James “Jimmy” Keffer.
A graduate of Alexander High School and Rider University. She later completed her work on her Master’s degree. She was Athlete of the Year at Alexander High School during her Senior Year. While in college, she played volleyball on a scholarship for four years. She taught school in Charlotte, NC for 6 years and 23 years at Alexander High School. She was on the Local Professional Development Committee for a number of years, served on the committee to pass the 2019 School Levy, twice took student to the Bahamas for educational science experience, and mentored numerous students on the path to careers in the medical field. She was certified to teach college curriculum at the high school for college credit. She was currently employed as a PBIS Counselor for the Athens County School Board. She has touched the lives of many children and their parents, and enjoyed playing golf, biking, boating and outdoor activities.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 20 years, Brad Baker; two sisters, Mindy Keffer of Port Charlotte, FL and Michelle (Roger) Aldridge of Chattanooga, TN; a niece, Morgan (Danny) Tritipo; five nephews, Conner Aldridge, Cameron Aldridge, Carson Baker, Landon Baker and Cory Abdella; four great nieces, Bristol, Saylor, Myer and Baylan Tritipo; her mother in law, Sandy Baker of Athens; two brothers in law, Brian (Shelly) Baker of Athens and Blaine Baker of Athens; two aunts, Cherry Dee Lowry and Joanie Allbaugh; five cousins, Shelly Lowry, Lynette Lowry, Rob (Terrie) Allbaugh, Trudy (Michael) Carson and Tony (Kara) Allbaugh.
Besides her father, she is preceded in death by a sister, Megan Keffer; and two uncles, Bob Allbaugh ad Sheldon Lowry. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Sept. 14th from 1- 3 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suicide Prevention or to the Athens County Suicide Prevention Coalition (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team www.lossteam.com. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
