MARILYN ELAINE THARPE BAKER
Marilyn Elaine Tharpe Baker, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 in Lafayette, La., with her daughters by her side.

She was born June 22, 1944 in Alexandria, La. to the late Virgil and Ruby Tharpe of Winnfield, La.

Marilyn served her country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Larry W. Baker.

She and Larry married only four months after they met, on her birthday, June 22, 1965. She and Larry were married for 54 years when he passed away in 2019.

Marilyn loved antiques and collectibles, collecting meaningful pieces over the years that she proudly displayed in her home. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, painting, crocheting and outings with her family.

Those she leaves to cherish her memory are her daughters, Michelle Baker and her fiancé, Walter Johnson and Melanie Russo and her husband, Jon; her sister, Teresa White; her grandchildren, Jamie Minor and his fiancé, Donna Chandler, Haley Minor and her companion, Jon Judice, Kirsten Russo and her fiancé, Paul Martin, Skye Russo and her companion, Joshua Smith and Connor Russo; her great grandchildren, Isabella Bonin and Addilynn Minor; her sister-in-law, Cindy Tharpe and her nieces and nephews, Anthony, Amanda, Heather, Virgil and Lindsay.
In addition to her husband and parents, Marilyn was preceded in death by her brother, Allen Tharpe and her brother-in-law, Tony White.

Graveside services will be held Monday, January 5 at 12 noon at Garden of Memories in Winnfield.