Leila Ruth Baker took her final breath on March 27, 2021 at the age of 77 and will truly be missed. Leila was born March 17, 1944 in Detroit to Edmond and Ruth (Gubrium) Ankony. The firstborn of four children, her siblings, Richard Ankony, Robert Ankony and Ruth Fathazam, remember all too well the hair pulling running down the stairs game that was done purely out of love, or at least that was what she told them. Growing up in downtown Detroit she enjoyed many things; swimming at Patton Park, learning to drive in Woodmere Cemetery, getting a double scoop at Paradise Ice Cream or drinking a chocolate Coke at Frankie's. While at Western High School she met the man of dreams and married Douglas Miller Baker on July 3, 1964. They moved to Southgate with their two children, Renée (Joe) Sheridan and Edmond (Paula) Baker, in the summer of 1973. Leila was happily married to the love of her life until Douglas's death in 1983.

Receiving her Associate of Science degree from Henry Ford Community College in 1982, she worked as a MA for many years.  When it was time to retire but not being one to sit still, she worked at Walgreen's in Livonia for an additional five years. When she was not working or reading, she enjoyed trips with family and friends to Niagara Falls, Hall Quebec, Melbourne Florida, Sterling State Park, Maumee Bay State Park and Holiday Beach Canada. Leila felt the most alive when she was out in nature.

Her personality was not for everyone, but everyone knew when Leila entered a room by her famous "Hello Everybody" introduction announcement. Leila had a blunt honest outlook on life, which many times got her into trouble, but you always knew where you stood. Leila softened as she got older and loved calling her daughter and daughter in law. Both Renée and Paula quickly learned to answer her calls, or she would just keep calling until one of them answered. She had five grandchildren, Megan, Joey, Philip & Cullen Sheridan and Doug Baker, which she shared her unique quirky sense of humor with. They will miss their 'Mema' very much.

A memorial celebrating her life is being planned for July 10, 2021 at Rotary Park on Six Mile Rd & Hubbard St, in Livonia. More information regarding this to come. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society. For Leila Ruth Baker American Cancer Society page, please go to:

https://secure.acsevents.org/ site/TR/Events/MosaicofHope? pg=fund&fr_id=9910&pxfid= 2579292&fbclid= IwAR3wSQd9FVYwGFBzbWlLaP24i2lQ ei3O4hW- rLRgGGiNu09OPYISIRuC6QI