Orma Baeyen

Orma Marie Baeyen, 85, died at Homeplace of Oak Harbor on Oct. 30, 2004.  She was born to Dillard G. and Sarah Irene (Crossland) Reid on Oct. 15, 1919. She was raised in Illinois. Following high school, she attended Carthage College where she received her bachelor of arts degree and her teaching certificate.

Orma began her teaching career, but was interrupted by World War II. She left her teaching position to enlist in the United States Navy, where she served as a chief petty officer. While in service, she met Raymond Beaten. At the end of the war, Orma left the Navy.

Orma and Ray Baeyen were married Jan. 4, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Ray remained in the Navy and Orma followed his military career. The Navy sent the Baeyen family to Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Hawaii and Midway Island. While on Midway, Orma worked as a librarian.

In 1961, the Baeyens were sent to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. Oak Harbor became their permanent home. Orma attended NAS Whidbey Island Base Chapel. She enjoyed needlepoint and quilting. She enjoyed Hawaiian dance and was an avid reader.

Orma is survived by two sons and their spouses, Thomas and Rita Baeyen of Edmonds, and Dennis Baeyen and Mary LaPorte of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; three grandchildren, Anthony Baeyen of Oak Harbor, Angeline Johnston of Seattle and Justin Baeyen of Mountlake Terrace; and six great-grandchildren, Brandon Lewis of Phoenix, Bradley and Lauren Lewis and Janay and Brianna Baeyen, all of Oak Harbor, and Riley Johnston of Seattle.

Her parents, her husband Raymond Baeyen and her siblings, brother Aldo Reid and sisters Glenore Berker and Bernadine Metco preceded her in death.

Private family graveside services were held at Maple Leaf Cemetery Nov. 2 with Cmdr. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN (Ret) officiating.