Jeannette Ann Baker, 78, of Troy, Montana and a former longtime resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026.

Jeannette was born in St. Maries, where she was raised and graduated from St. Maries High School with the Class of 1966. Her roots in the small-town community shaped the simple, grounded life she would cherish for years to come.

Following high school, she married John Sexton, and together they welcomed their son, Cliff. They made their home in Fernwood, Idaho before later parting ways. Jeannette went on to live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Boise, Idaho, where she began her career as a waitress before dedicating nearly 19 years of service to the Idaho Department of Labor. During this time, she married Chris Pilayo, and together they blended their families, helping to raise each other’s children. Though their marriage later ended, they remained friendly for their children.

Jeannette reconnected with her old schoolmate, Joe Sines. The two shared a special chapter of life together in St. Maries and Calder, Idaho, where Jeannette worked at the Calder Bar and Restaurant, Minerva’s, and the Coeur d’ Alene Casino. He passed away after a few cherished years together.

Eventually, Jeannette settled in Troy, Montana, after marrying David Baker. Though he passed away after a decade of marriage, Jeannette found great fulfillment living her dream as a homemaker close to the land. She embraced a homesteading lifestyle in her cordwood home, tending a garden, raising chickens, and savoring the quiet beauty of nature. She held a special affection for her hens, even keeping feathers from her favorites as small treasured mementos.

In time, she moved into town and became a resident of Golden Lyon Manor, where she remained active and engaged. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted member of her local Baptist church. She found immense joy in her family, especially her grandchildren, and was known as a wonderful cook whose homemade fruit tarts became a beloved family tradition during the holidays. She also enjoyed preparing Hawaiian dishes, often incorporating tropical flavors into her cooking.

Jeannette lived life with energy and curiosity. She enjoyed bowling and playing pool in her earlier years, solving Sudoku puzzles, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and taking road trips to visit loved ones. She was musically gifted and played a 12-string guitar at church and other gatherings. An avid supporter of her family, she rarely missed a game or activity. She also loved the outdoors—picking huckleberries, hunting, fishing, and hiking—and was a devoted fan of Boise State University athletics, specifically since her son Cliff played on the football team. She was also a long-time member of the Eagles Lodge.

Above all, Jeannette was a simple woman who loved deeply, lived faithfully, and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She shared her wisdom generously, even teaching her daughter-in-law the art of cooking with cast iron, and carried a quiet strength and intelligence that defined her life.

Jeannette is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Cliff and Lisa Sexton of Wilder, Idaho; bonus children Christopher and Rhonda Pilayo of Las Vegas, Nevada and David Pilayo of Meridian, Idaho; and her cherished grandchildren, Karli Holsinger, Katie Sexton, Shaylee Pilayo, and Chad Pilayo. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Baker, and her parents, Jacob and Della Shanks.

A celebration of Jeannette’s life will be held on May 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge. She will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery.