Lynn Elizabeth Gooder Baker

Untamed to the end

1954~2017

Lynn Baker was always full of surprises, whether she was sneaking up behind you with a water gun at a summer barbecue or suddenly relocating across the country for job in the IT world. Sadly, she surprised many with her passing, having been diagnosed with cancer only weeks before her death on April 21, 2017, in Pinedale, Wyo. Born on Oct. 21, 1954, to Ronald "Brent" Gooder and Sara "Sally" Potarf Gooder, Lynn's 62 years were filled with outdoor adventures, travels across the country for work, and a love of furry and feathered friends. Growing up in Casper, Lynn graduated from Natrona County High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Wyoming. After cleverly hacking a computer for a statistics course in college, she decided to pursue a career in IT. Her work in mainframe systems took her from Wyoming to Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Texas. She married John Baker in 1978, and, in 1983, they became proud parents of Jessica Baker Francis of Centerville, Utah.  Lynn and John later divorced but remained good friends throughout her life, making a point to celebrate Christmas with Jessica almost every year. From an early age, Lynn loved the outdoors and always considered the varying landscapes of Wyoming her true home. She enjoyed skiing, camping, hiking and horseback riding, especially with her daughter, Jessica. Her mischievous sense of play and her gift of easy conversation gave her a loyal following of friends. In 2011, Lynn moved to Jackson Hole to care for her father until his death in 2012. Lynn was also preceded in death by her mother, Sally, and her step-mother, Donna Gooder.  She is survived by her daughter, Jessica; son-in-law, Jared Francis; fiancé, Fred Shriver; nine siblings; and countless beloved relatives and friends. A celebration of her life will be held in Pinedale, Wyo., on June 17. Covill Funeral Home in Pinedale will provide details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to a local animal shelter or to Alcoholics Anonymous.