Dot Baker

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Dot Baker. Dot Baker, 86, a beloved member of the Conicville community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Winchester Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. Doris “Dot” Dodson Baker was born on March 22, 1938, daughter of the late J.Paul Dodson and Ora Dellinger Dodson of Conicville, Virginia. Dot was married to the late Ray M. Baker on September 8, 1956. Dot was the cherished mother of her two children, Steve Baker and Joanie Hovatter (Sonny), and the adored “Memaw Dottie” to her four grandchildren, Alesia Hovatter (Kyle London), Melanie Hoffman (Ben), Kallie Hovatter, and Phillip Hovatter, and three great-grandchildren, Ellie and Camden Hoffman, and Della Hovatter. She loved supporting her grandchildren at their athletic events across Central and Stonewall Jackson High Schools and beyond, cheering them on in track and field, football, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. Dot and her husband, Ray, were a familiar sight at these events, often wearing the brightest red for Stonewall or royal blue for Central as well as often arriving with sandwiches and drinks to support the athletes. Dot’s brothers, Jay Dodson and Jack Dodson preceded her in death. She is survived by two sisters, Vivian Thomas (Werner) of Richmond and Jane Perry (Robert C. Perry) of Mt. Jackson, VA. Mrs. Baker has many nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews. Dot was a graduate of Triplett High School, class of 1956. Originally, Mrs. Baker was a stay-at-home mom and in 1966, she started working for the Shenandoah Telephone Company in Edinburg, Virginia as an accounting clerk. She worked at Shenandoah Telephone Company for over 30 years and retired in 2002. Dot’s passion for her community was evident in all she did—from organizing and leading the Conicville 4-H Club to baking delicious pies and cakes for the Christ United Church of Christ (UCC) lawn parties and suppers and the Conicville Fireman’s Carnival. She was also a talented musician, serving as the organist at Conicville United Church (UCC) for over 50 years, where her music touched the hearts of many. Dot and Ray lived on their 10-acre farm, Baker Farm, LLC, and ran Baker Inc. (Meat Processing) with their son, Steve, where they proudly produced pork products that delighted their community. After Ray’s retirement, the two spent nearly two decades traveling to farmer’s markets across Northern Virginia, rising early every Saturday morning to bring their fresh pork products to loyal customers. The City of Manassas Farmers’ Market community loved seeing the Bakers weekly. Dot’s life was filled with joy in the simple things—gardening, canning, and cooking. Her pork tenderloin and summer sausage were legendary among friends and family. In addition to her culinary talents, Dot was known for her lively spirit, winning the West Virginia State Fair hog calling contest for two consecutive years—a testament to her fun-loving nature. Dot was an active member of the Women’s Guild at Conicville’s United Church of Christ and was recognized as a 4-H All-Star. She cherished attending pig shows at the Shenandoah County Fair and Virginia State Fair, a tradition she maintained for over four decades. She loved collecting ribbons and newspaper clippings. Dot’s greatest pride and joy, however, was being a loving mom and Memaw to her family, always putting them first and celebrating their achievements. In her later years, Dot resided at The Warren, where she was lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff, including her dear friend Ms. CC, who often prayed with her. Despite the challenges of her final years, Dot found comfort in her faith, family, and memories. Dot Baker will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her dedication to her community, and her vibrant spirit. She touched the lives of everyone she met and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Family night will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Valley Funeral Service in Edinburg, VA. Dot served as a Worthy Matron, so an Eastern Star Service will be shared during Family Night. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 2:00pm at the United Church of Christ, 14561 Senedo Rd, Mount Jackson, led by Pastor Stephanie Heishman-Litten, Pastor Don Smith, and Robert C. Perry (LCDR, USCG (RET). Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be a fellowship gathering at the Conicville Fire Hall with refreshments following the service. Pallbearers will be Sonny Hovatter, Phillip Hovatter, Ben Hoffman, Mike Dorman, Billy Mumaw, and Steve Heishman. Memorial contributions can be donated to the Conicville Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 548, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Dot Baker

March 22, 1938 - September 3, 2024