Ellen Rebecca Baker, age 27, of Cleveland, OH passed away August 25, 2025. She was born on November 15, 1997 in Indianapolis, IN to Paul D. and Denise D. (McDonald) Baker.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother Max (Grace) Baker of Kingston, TN; paternal grandparents: David and Becky Baker of New Philadelphia, OH; maternal grandparents: Rev. Ken and Barb McDonald of St. Paris, OH; and paternal great grandmother: Naomi Baker of Dover, OH; and several aunts, uncles, and much-loved cousins. Ellen was also very excited to become Aunt Ellen to a niece in October. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that she is spending eternity in heaven with Jesus.

Ellen was a graduate of Gorham Fayette High School in Fayette, OH. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, and a Master of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. While at MVNU, she was given The School of Christian Ministry Service Above Self award. She currently served the City of Cleveland as Senior Strategist for the Department of Community Development’s Asset Redevelopment office, bringing her passion and commitment to elevate the voices of residents who would be impacted by City projects.

Ellen attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland. She loved the outdoors, hiking in the mountains, and being on the water.  She especially enjoyed playing pickleball with her dad. She was spontaneous and always ready for an adventure such as late-night donut runs, sleep overs, or anything of the sort.  Ellen loved her family, friends, and boyfriend Joel Varner very intentionally and deeply.

Ellen’s love for all people and their cultures began at a young age. Her first international opportunity was to Peru while in 5th grade. She spent a semester abroad in Costa Rica for her intercultural studies degree at Mount Vernon and served in missions to Philadelphia; Indianapolis; Brownsville and McAllen, Texas; Guatemala; and the Native American Christian Academy in Arizona. Her love for ALL people fueled her passion for social justice.  Ellen had a special gift of making sure others felt seen and heard. She embodied the beautiful ability to courageously, yet respectfully, live in the tension of hard conversations. She lived life with compassion, joy, genuineness and boldness all rooted in her love of Jesus Christ and her desire to serve Him well. A meaningful Scripture to Ellen was Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Ellen’s light impacted deeply and reached wide.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at The Valley Church, Troy. Immediately following, Ellen’s Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM with Dr. Douglas Van Nest officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:  Oasis House 1133 S. Edwin Moses Blvd., Suite 384, Dayton, OH 45417.   OR  online at www.oasisforwomen.org/donate. “Oasis House offers hope and support to women survivors of trauma, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse.”

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.