Baker, Usona 'Sally' Claggett 93 07/01/1915 02/22/2009 Usona Claggett Baker was born to Benjamin and Mabel Noren Claggett on July 1, 1915, in Keizer, but everyone always loved her as "Sally." Sally, her brother, Boyd, and sister, Sylvia, grew up within pioneer history that began in 1852 with their great-grandfather, Charles Claggett, whose surname identifies a creek, a cemetery and a school in Keizer as well as a lake in Marion County. Sally and her siblings played in the wagon that brought their great-grandfather and a then 12-year-old grandfather to Oregon. Her youth was filled with aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends. After high school, Sally worked at the State Capitol building in Salem. During World War II, she was a civilian secretary at the Portland Air Force base. Sally corresponded with relatives and friends who served overseas; chief among those correspondents was James "Jim" Baker, petty officer in the Navy. Sally and Jim married after his return. Childless, they lavished love on a niece and nephew as well as the children of cousins and friends. Jim and Sally began volunteering in 1983 at the Oregon Historical Society. Sally's knowledge and love of history earned accolades from then-Executive Director Thomas Vaughan: the couple did "everything," were "a source of wonderment" and provided the museum with roses and flowers from their garden. In 2003, OHS commended Sally for 20 years of service, which was a highlight of Sally's life. Jim predeceased Sally on July 11, 1997, and Sally honored their 50-plus year union with her thoughts, prayers, and bouquets. Sally's love of family, history and children united on May 1, 2002, at the dedication of Claggett Creek Middle School in Keizer with her gift of family history and memorabilia for a permanent display. Survivors include cousins, Floyd Claggett, Rosalie Claggett Harding, Corinne Chapman, Mary Alice Claggett John; niece, Susan Stubblefield; nephew, Keith Claggett; and other relatives. Interment is beside family members at City View Cemetery in Salem. Gifts in Sally's name can be made to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital Foundation or the Oregon Historical Society. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 6835 S.W. 46th Avenue, in Portland. Attendees are encouraged to bring photographs or keepsake objects of Sally which will be displayed onsite and then returned to the owners after the service.
Published in The Oregonian on 3/15/2009