Judy Lee Baker

Judy Lee Baker, 85, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Ogden, Utah. She was born in Thermopolis, Wyoming, on Oct 2, 1940, to Clifton E. Wight and Elizabeth (Carey) Wight Bartlett. After Clifton died (1946), Judy was adopted in 1953 by Fred R. Bartlett, whom Elizabeth married in January 1947.

Judy graduated from Hot Springs County High School, class of 1958. During her high school years, she was named Thermopolis Rodeo/Fiesta Queen in 1957 and the March 1958 “Girl of the Month” for Soroptimist International of Thermopolis. She was a member of the National Thespian Society and a proud State finalist in the 11th Annual Voice of Democracy contest.

During high school, Judy worked part-time as a radio announcer at KTHE Radio in Thermopolis. After graduating, she joined the copy staff at KGHL-TV in Billings, Montana. She earned extra money doing night-time announcing when local commercials were done live. She attended Brigham Young University and Weber State College in Utah, then became the continuity director for the Salt Lake City KSL affiliate stations. She moved to commercial copy writing at KID Radio in Idaho Falls, then transitioned into retail after moving to Indianapolis. She worked as a copy writer for Block’s Department Stores, then the assistant advertising manager for Hook Drugs, and then a time buyer and administrative ad manager for Paul Harris Clothing.

In 1972, she accepted a position with Kittle’s Furniture, serving as the vice president of marketing and retail stores. She joined Cranfill Advertising in 1978 as an account executive. During her tenure at Cranfill, the small agency of ten people swept the Addi Awards. She shared that at one ceremony, the agency won more awards than all other Indianapolis agencies combined. When Cranfill divested accounts in 1981, Judy moved to Carlson & Company, and then MacGill-Rose – both advertising agencies. In 1984, Crime Control hired her to establish an in-house agency.

In 1995, Judy joined the Indiana Soybean Alliance, where she remained until retiring in 2006. Throughout her tenure, she enjoyed contributing to the development of initiatives to educate on the many uses of soybeans. She participated in the creation of Bennie the Bean, expanding the use of biodiesel fuel, and establishing Project XL.

Outside of work, Judy enjoyed reading, easily consuming a book a day. She loved spy novels and any book where a dog emerged as the hero of the story. Apart from time spent with her beloved poodle, Mr. Dickens, Judy always had one or more cats. She often humorously asserted that she appreciated animals more than people.

Judy married Patrick Miles McGarvey in 1958. They had three children: Kevin (1959), Kim (1960), and Judy Kay (1961). Judy and Pat divorced in 1964. She married Wendel Baker in 1965; they did not have children and divorced in 2003.

Judy is survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, her brother Chuck, and several nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in passing by her parents, little sister Linda, sister Dorothy, brother Bill, sister Betty, son Kevin, and daughter Judy.

Judy valued solitude. The arrangements she made for her death reflect that value. Her cremated ashes are scattered in the Cumberland Trails section of Washington Park East Cemetery. Within that section is a small memorial noting her name, year of birth, and year of death. Judy chose the picturesque garden setting to allow a space for quiet reflection and private sharing reflective of individual spiritual beliefs. Please visit her there whenever you wish.

To honor her life, please post your thoughts and memories in the guestbook, plant a tree, or donate to the Indianapolis Humane Society at https://indyhumane.org/about/ways-to-give/

Private arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East.